Vincent Oppong Asamoah, Chair of Parliament’s Select Committee on Works and Housing, has made a passionate appeal for an immediate investigation and swift action to complete the long-abandoned Saglemi Affordable Housing Project, following a visit by the committee to assess the worsening state of the facility.
The once-promising housing project, meant to provide safe and affordable homes for over 1,000 Ghanaian families, now lies in ruins – overtaken by nature and looters.
During the oversight visit, Mr. Asamoah described the scene as “heart-breaking” and a betrayal of public trust, as the structures continue to deteriorate and vital installations such as windows, electrical fittings and light poles are stolen under the watch of security personnel.
“This is not my first time coming here. Each time I visit, the situation worsens. The last time, before January 7, many of the light poles were intact. Now they’re gone. If you’re a citizen of this country, you will never be happy with what we have seen here.”
He expressed deep dissatisfaction with how the previous administration handled the project, stressing the need for accountability over the nearly $200 million invested by the state.
Despite the police being assigned to protect the site, the extensive theft and vandalism raise serious questions about oversight and responsibility.
“We need to probe this. Someone must be held accountable for allowing a project of this scale to rot away for almost nine years. We will present a report to Parliament and I’ll personally plead with the Speaker to visit the site. Ghanaians deserve answers,” the MP said.
The Saglemi project has been mired in political and legal controversies, stalling its completion.
However, recent developments indicate efforts to revive the initiative.
According to Kwesi Kodua, Acting Director at the Ministry of Housing, a competitive bidding process was conducted to engage a private partner to help finish the project.
Out of nine consortiums that showed interest, five submitted bids.
After an evaluation process led by Deloitte, the Quarm-LMI Consortium was selected for negotiations.
The government has since signed a “heads of terms” agreement, outlining a joint venture arrangement where government equity will be based on the existing value of the Saglemi assets, as assessed by the Ghana Institute of Surveyors.
Other shortlisted firms included; Afro Arab Properties Ltd, Dredge Masters-Titanium, Broll Ghana Ltd, and Masiltin Group.
“This should be a national priority. Enough of the politics,” said Nana Ayew Afriyie, the ranking member on the committee, adding, “We are calling for a clear path forward, whether through private participation or a competent state agency like TDC.
“What matters most is completing the project so Ghanaians can finally benefit from the homes they have paid for.”
The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to Parliament soon, with hopes that the renewed push will break the cycle of neglect and finally deliver the housing relief many families have waited nearly a decade for.
