The Seglemi Affordable Housing Project, once hailed as a beacon of hope for Ghana’s housing crisis, has been plagued by controversy and neglect. A recent fire outbreak at the site prompted the Parliamentary Committee on Works and Housing to pay a working visit, seeking answers about the project’s troubled past.
Upon arrival, the Committee was met with a dismal sight: deteriorated building materials, stolen tiles and doors, and a general air of abandonment. The Project Supervisor, Yaw Obeng, explained that the fire was a planned exercise to clear bushy areas, but unfortunately, it spread to nearby containers. Fortunately, no project documents were destroyed in the blaze.
The Committee’s Chairman, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, expressed disappointment at the project’s eight-year stagnation due to legal issues. His sentiments were echoed by Dr. Emmanuel Marfo, who emphasized the need for greater accountability and security at the site. The Ghana Police Service has been tasked with providing security, but Dr. Marfo noted that almost everything, except the building structures, had been stolen.
The Committee’s visit has sparked a broader conversation about the Presidential Transition Act and the need for incoming governments to complete projects initiated by their predecessors. The Seglemi project, now under the management of Quarm LMI Consortium, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect and the importance of accountability in governance.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
