Gov’t has not abandoned Saglemi Housing Project – Asenso-Boakye replies John Mahama

The Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has vehemently countered recent allegations made by former President John Dramani Mahama regarding the Saglemi housing project.

Mr Mahama in a recent post on Facebook, condemned the government’s decision to abandon the Saglemi Housing Project and allocate over GH₵500 million to the National Cathedral project. “It is unacceptable for Akufo-Addo to spend over half a billion cedis on a national cathedral project that has ultimately failed due to corruption and is now abandoned, yet refuses to commit funds to complete a housing project that will benefit thousands of Ghanaian families”, the post said.

Rebuttal
Speaking during a radio interview on Okay FM, the minister firmly denied any claims that the government has abandoned the project. Instead, Mr Asenso-Boakye clarified that the government remains fully committed to completing the Saglemi project.

He emphasised that both the President and himself have reiterated this commitment during the launch of a new housing project in Pokuase. He added that the government is actively taking necessary steps to ensure the revival and completion of the Project.

Private sector
To address the challenges faced by the Saglemi project, the Minister revealed that the government is considering involving the private sector in its implementation. This decision, he said, was made after careful consideration and extensive consultations, with Cabinet convening three times to review the project’s complexities and its financial challenges.

Mr Asenso-Boakye said the conclusion reached was that private sector participation will offer the most viable approach to ensure the project’s successful completion.

Extra cost
Mr Asenso-Boakye further elaborated on the financial analysis conducted by the government. In spite of an initial investment of nearly $200 million, he said the Saglemi project still requires approximately $46 million which is needed for off-site infrastructure development, covering essential amenities such as water, electricity, drainage works, among others.

Moreover, he said an additional $68 million is required to complete on-site works, which include the repair and completion of the existing units, sewerage system, civic amenities, among others, thus bringing the total additional costs to a staggering $114 million, on top of the funds already spent.

In light of the ongoing court case surrounding the project, the minister disclosed that he has taken proactive steps to continue the Saglemi project.

He said he has sought approval from the Attorney General’s office, which was granted, allowing the government to proceed with the necessary actions to ensure the project’s eventual completion. “This demonstrated the administration’s unwavering dedication to delivering on its promise of reviving the Saglemi housing project,” Mr Asenso-Boakye said.

New housing project
Regarding the decision to initiate a new housing project in Pokuase, he clarified that it is part of a fresh strategy involving collaboration with the private sector for housing development. Drawing inspiration from successful models in other African countries, the minister said the government aims to work alongside private sector entities in constructing houses for the citizenry.

According to him, the approach will not only ensures cost-effectiveness but also capitalises on the expertise and experience of private sector partners. “Since becoming Minister, we have studied the approach adopted by many other African countries, including South Africa, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, among others, where the government collaborates with the private sector in developing houses for the citizens.

This not only saves the government a significant amount of financial stress but also allows us to benefit from the expertise and experience of the private sector,” he added.

In his concluding remarks, the minister passionately called on all politicians to rise above partisan interests and focus on the national interest, while providing affordable and habitable housing for the citizens of Ghana.