A powerful coalition, the Saglemi Not For Sale Coalition, has issued a passionate plea to the government, urging an immediate halt to any plans to privatize or sell the controversial Saglemi Housing Project.
The group warns that offloading the project to private entities would betray its original intent: providing affordable homes for ordinary Ghanaians.
At a fiery press conference in Accra, Nana Otu Darko, Convener of the Saglemi Not For Sale Coalition, minced no words. He argued that private ownership would inevitably skyrocket housing prices, placing them far beyond the reach of the average citizen.
“The moment private ownership takes over, the prices of these housing units will soar to an extent that ordinary Ghanaians will not be able to buy,” Darko thundered.
Instead of selling off this vital national asset, Darko proposed a bold alternative: hand the project over to the Tema Development Corporation (TDC) Ghana Limited.
He championed TDC as a state-owned powerhouse with an undeniable track record and the technical prowess to complete and manage the project for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
“We, the members of the Saglemi Not For Sale Coalition, respectfully urge the government of Ghana to transfer the uncompleted Saglemi Housing Project to TDC Ghana Ltd, a wholly state-owned entity, for its completion, management, and allocation for public benefit,” he declared.
Darko emphasized that the Saglemi Housing Project was conceived as a national response to Ghana’s gaping housing deficit, symbolizing public investment and a collective dream for affordable housing.
“We believe strongly that the project must remain under public ownership and control – and be completed for the benefit of the ordinary Ghanaian,” he asserted.
He further highlighted TDC Ghana Limited’s proven capabilities, citing their extensive experience, technical competence, and public sector orientation.
Established in 1952, TDC boasts a renewed mandate encompassing project management, construction supervision, and urban development.
Their impressive portfolio includes:
* The Kpone Affordable Housing Project, with 1,072 units completed and 800 more under construction.
* The Site 3 Infill Housing Project, delivering 128 completed residential units.
* The Community 24 Site and Services Scheme, which has developed over 1,500 serviced residential and commercial plots.
Darko stressed that TDC’s formidable team comprises multidisciplinary experts, including architects, engineers, surveyors, planners, and project managers, all supported by modern project delivery tools.
This, he argued, equips them with the logistical muscle to mobilize swiftly and oversee the project from start to finish.
Entrusting the Saglemi Housing Project to TDC, a public agency, would safeguard public investment, prevent the transfer of a national asset into private hands, ensure affordable housing for Ghanaians, and guarantee accountability and transparency aligned with the national housing agenda.
The Coalition’s demands are clear:
* Halt any intended sale of the Saglemi Housing Project to private interests.
* Officially hand over the project to TDC Ghana Ltd for completion and public use.
* Provide the necessary financial and institutional support to TDC for swift resumption and completion of works.
“The Saglemi Housing Project was built with public funds for public benefit. It must not be sold. It must be completed and completed by the State for the people,” Darko passionately reiterated.
In a move to amplify their message, the group announced plans to petition the Parliament Select Committee on Housing, President John Dramani Mahama, and other relevant authorities to take decisive action on this critical matter.