President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has explained the government’s rationale behind commencing a new housing project rather than continuing with the Saglemi one initiated by the former President John Mahama government.
The Saglemi Housing Project, which began in 2016, encountered delays and setbacks, leading the government to reassess its viability and alignment with the best interests of Ghanaians.
During a sod-cutting ceremony in Accra for the National Affordable Housing Project, which aims to construct approximately 8,000 housing units with private sector support, President Akufo-Addo stated that completing the Saglemi project would have incurred significant additional debt for the government.
“We are aware of the delays and setbacks encountered during the execution of this project. The issues about the scope of work and the money expended on the Saglemi project have been taken to the Criminal Investigations Division of the Ghana Police Service for investigation which has resulted in criminal judicial proceedings.”
“However, in the meantime, to forestall the project from deteriorating the Minister of Works and Government has actively engaged government, cabinet, the Ministry of Finance and the office of the Attorney General on the completion of the project.”
President Akufo-Addo highlighted that the Saglemi project would require an additional $46 million to complete essential infrastructural works to mitigate flooding.
“It has been established that in addition to the $198 million already expended on the project, the government has to raise additional funding to the tune of $ 46 million to complete the infrastructural works. That is water, electricity, and drains to mitigate flooding.
“Further, $68million is required to complete the buildings and other essential onsite infrastructure works like the waste holding bay, sewage treatment plants and the development of socioeconomic and civic infrastructure such as basic school, clinic and shops,” he stated.
Additionally, an estimated $68 million is needed to finish construction on the buildings and other onsite infrastructure, including waste holding bays, sewage treatment plants, and the development of socio-economic and civic amenities, such as basic schools, clinics, and shops.
The president further added that after careful assessments, taking into account the project’s location and viability, the Cabinet has directed the Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, to explore the possibility of involving the private sector in completing the Saglemi housing project at its current value without incurring further costs to the state.
