President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has giving justification about government’s choice to start new housing project instead of continuing already existing John Dramani Mahama Saglemi Housing project, which was stopped since 2016.
Addressing congregation at the sod-cutting ceremony in Accra for the National Affordable Housing Project, which aims to construct 8,000 units with private sector support, President Akufo-Addo explained that completing the Saglemi Housing Project would have incurred additional debt for the government.
He acknowledged the delays and setbacks encountered during the execution of the Saglemi project and mentioned that issues concerning its scope of work and expenses have been referred to the Criminal Investigations Division of the Ghana Police Service for investigation, leading to criminal judicial proceedings.
President Akufo-Addo revealed that in addition to the $198 million already spent on the Saglemi project, the government would need an extra $46 million to complete infrastructural works such as water, electricity, and drainage to mitigate flooding.
Additionally, $68 million would be required to finish the buildings and essential onsite infrastructure, including waste holding bays, sewage treatment plants, and the development of socioeconomic and civic facilities like schools, clinics, and shops.
Considering the project’s assessment, location, and viability, the cabinet instructed the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Francis Asenso-Boakye, to explore the possibility of involving the private sector to complete the Saglemi housing project at its current value without any further cost to the government.
