Ghana government has said, it’s no more interested in the Saglemi housing project so it will be better to be given to a private developer to refurbish the housing units and sell to potential owners, according to the Ministry of Works and Housing.
Sector Minister, Francis Asenso Boakye disclosed this at a meet-the-press session in Accra on Sunday, November 13, 2022.
He indicated the government is helpless and crippled in finance and can’t make a further commitment to the Saglemi project.
Against this background, “we’re allowing for a private sector developer to take up the initiative to build and sell the housing units”, he said.
The Minister reiterated that “a committee will be commissioned to guide the process and ensure transparency in the bidding process”.
The Saglemi housing project was commenced in 2012 under the NDC government to build 5000 housing units.
This did not come to light due to alleged embezzlement.
He further stressed that the 1500 units built are currently inhabitable and an amount of about USD46 million is needed to provide water, electricity, and storm drains.
“Government doesn’t intend to expand more on the completion of the project. Government has decided to sell the project” he stated.
‘Unfruitful’ Conditions Of Service Negotiations
According to him, the high court is looking into the issues of embezzlement and anyone found culpable for a crime will be convicted.
Meanwhile, it is very opaque what the terms and conditions will be between the government and the private developer and what the state stands to benefit.
By Lawrence Odoom
