Editor of the Informer Newspaper, Andy Kankam, has taken on the Minister for Works and Housing over the proposed sale of the Saglemi affordable Housing Project.
The government is exploring the possibility of selling the Saglemi Housing Project, covering 1,506 housing units, to a private developer.
According to the Minister for Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, the government has already expended approximately US$196 million on the project and does not intend to spend additional tax-payers money towards its completion.
He added that proceeds from the sale will be reinvested by the state into other affordable housing projects.
Peeved about this development, Andy Kankam noted it does not make sense for the government to sell the Saglemi Housing Project only to invest proceeds in another affordable housing unit.
“Selling the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project doesn’t make sense. I am pained at this sort of thing. The tax payer’s money was used to construct over 1,500 housing units and now you want to sell them because you don’t have the money to complete it? You say you don’t have the money to compete the project but want to sell it and invest in another affordable housing project? Painfully, this move does not make sense,” he told Samuel Eshun on the Happy Morning Show.
The editor argues that instead of government selling off the Saglemi Housing Project, it should free up monies used in running ministries and departments and cut down government expenditure, and use those monies to complete the project.
“The Works and Housing Minister should not joke with Ghanaians. The Minister and his advisors should shelve the idea as it doesn’t make sense. Gov’t should find money and complete the project and not take Ghanaians for granted.”
He expressed worry over the inability of the realization of the motive behind the project should it be given to a private investor.
Andy Kankam also highlighted the possibility of the sale of the project being a loot and share scheme. To him, the project may eventually be handed over to government cronies and friends.
By; Joel Sanco
