Vincent Asamoah, the Member of Parliament for Dormaa West, emphasized that the Minority in Parliament is not opposing the new affordable housing project out of a lack of concern for Ghanaians' access to affordable homes. Rather, their opposition stems from the fear of history repeating itself, specifically in reference to the abandoned Seglemi project. Asamoah explained that they want to ensure that the government has the necessary resources to successfully complete the new project.
Asamoah stated, "We were well aware that Nana Addo wasn't going to finish the Saglemi project, given that we are now in the 7th year of his administration. We had already predicted this outcome."
He continued, "Our concerns about the new project were not solely about Saglemi's non-completion, as we knew that was going to happen. Our concern lies in avoiding a situation where the new project suffers the same fate as Saglemi. We are well aware of the government's difficulties when it comes to financial matters."
Earlier, Sampson Ahi, the Member of Parliament for Bodi, raised concerns about the legality of the new affordable housing project in Pokuase, in the Greater Accra Region. He argued that parliamentary approval was necessary, but it had not been obtained before President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo initiated the project.
Ahi stressed, "According to the parliamentary procedure, this particular project should have been presented in Parliament today, but that hasn't happened. This means that the EPC agreement has not been approved by Parliament."
He added, "So, despite not receiving the necessary parliamentary approval, they proceeded to start the project. What does that imply? Is it a disregard for Parliament? Is it disrespect for the structures of Parliament?"
During the sod-cutting ceremony for the new project, President Akufo-Addo revealed that efforts were being made to complete the Saglemi Housing Project, which had been stagnant since the previous government's departure.
President Akufo-Addo explained that the Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, had been given permission to find a private entity with the required funds and technical expertise to finish the project.
The Saglemi Housing Project, which was launched in 2012 in Prampram in the Greater Accra Region, faced financial concerns under the new administration led by President Akufo-Addo. This eventually led to the prosecution of certain government officials, including the former Minister of Water Resources, Works, and Housing, Collins Dauda.
During the launch of the new affordable housing project in Pokuase, President Akufo-Addo revealed that Cabinet had instructed the Works and Housing Minister to ensure the completion of the Saglemi project to prevent further deterioration. He mentioned that an additional $114 million was needed, on top of the $198 million already invested, to finish the project.
President Akufo-Addo stated, "Based on these evaluations and considering the project's location and viability, Cabinet instructed the capable Minister for Works and Housing, Hon Francis Asenso-Boakye, to explore the possibility of selling the Saglemi Housing Project, consisting of 1,506 housing units, to a private sector entity that can complete and sell the units to the public without any further cost to the government."
He revealed that a technical working group had been set up, and the Public Procurement Authority had already approved the appointment of a transaction advisor with the necessary technical and financial capabilities to finalize the project.
President Akufo-Addo concluded, "Indeed, the lessons learned from the Saglemi Housing Project have been invaluable in shaping the approach and execution of this new affordable housing initiative."