Former Housing Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has declared that the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project's progress vindicates the New Patriotic Party's private-sector participation model. The current administration's decision to maintain these arrangements confirms their effectiveness in completing the long-delayed development.
Mr. Nkrumah, who oversaw the project's revival during his tenure, expressed encouragement that the current government upheld the private-sector participation (PSP) framework. This approach prevented the entire financial burden from reverting to the state. The Ofoase-Ayirebi MP made these remarks to journalists after President John Dramani Mahama's recent visit to the Saglemi site.
The Saglemi project has been a central point in Ghana's housing debate for over a decade. Initially envisioned to deliver thousands of housing units, it stalled due to financing issues, construction challenges, and political disagreements. The Akufo-Addo administration, through Mr. Nkrumah, championed private capital and expertise to restart the project, a move that faced opposition from some quarters questioning the arrangement's terms.
Mr. Nkrumah consistently maintained that the private-sector arrangement was properly structured. Its design aimed to protect state interests and avoid significant new financial commitments from the government. He noted that the current administration's decision to continue the arrangement validates the PSP framework established during his time.
The private developer selected under the arrangement has continued its work, with agreed terms for financing and completion remaining in effect. Mr. Nkrumah recalled that the arrangement faced controversy, including a fire at the project site after the private developer began work. Accusations at the time suggested the incident aimed to conceal information.
However, subsequent developments have shown the private-sector developer's genuine commitment to completing the project. This demonstrates the framework's capability to deliver the intended outcome. Mr. Nkrumah also highlighted the phased approach to Saglemi's completion as further evidence that the broad framework developed earlier has been retained.
He expressed satisfaction that President Mahama has upheld the benchmarks for phased development. These include the first 700 units, followed by subsequent batches of 1,000 and 2,000 units, and continuous development. President Mahama's visit has renewed attention, with the government outlining timelines for completing the initial housing units and expanding the site.
Mr. Nkrumah stated that this progress brings him satisfaction, knowing Ghanaians will eventually benefit from the project. He also thanked the technical team, consultants, and private-sector developers involved in restructuring the project. Their contributions, he said, have placed Saglemi on a more sustainable path.
He dismissed earlier opposition to private-sector participation as largely political. The ongoing work at Saglemi, therefore, signifies more than just a housing project's revival for Mr. Nkrumah. He views it as proof that private-sector involvement can deliver major public infrastructure without solely burdening the government.
Mr. Nkrumah looks forward to the project's completion, emphasizing that its successful delivery is the ultimate objective, regardless of political credit. He used the Saglemi experience to advocate for greater collaboration between government and private investors in delivering public goods and services. He believes this approach works and should be embraced more widely across Ghana.
The Saglemi development has become a significant political and policy test for successive governments. Originating under one administration and undergoing changes under others, its revival now focuses on the financing model. This model aims to bring the unfinished estate back to life effectively and sustainably.