The visit provided committee members with a firsthand look at the project’s current status
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Works and Housing has called on the government to expedite the completion of the Affordable Housing Project at Pokuase-Mayera in Accra.
During a working visit to the project site on Monday, May 5, 2025, the Committee Chairman, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, emphasised the urgent need for government action.
The visit provided committee members with a firsthand look at the project’s current status and possible strategies for its completion.
“If we don’t act now, encroachment will worsen, putting infrastructure and human lives at risk,” he warned.
He stressed the importance of the Ministry of Finance releasing the necessary funds without further delay to facilitate the project’s completion.
According to Oppong Asamoah, the housing project, which was originally scheduled for completion in 2024, remains far from finished due to delayed disbursement of funds.
“With regard to the road infrastructure, the contractor has indicated that he wasn’t even paid mobilization fees. We need to urgently address these outstanding issues, which the government must resolve,” he stated.
Expressing deep concern over the delay, he described the project as a key government initiative hindered primarily by a lack of timely funding.
“According to the work plan, this should have been completed in 2024, but as you can see, there’s no visible structure. We’re also facing interference from encroachers, local residents, and landguards. None of us is satisfied with the current state of affairs, and it’s clear the government has not fulfilled its part of the contract,” he lamented.
He compared the stalled project to the Saglemi Housing Project, saying, “These are critical housing interventions, and the lack of financial support is jeopardising their success.”
The situation is further complicated by the activities of encroachers and landguards, who are hindering progress, with some reportedly attempting to disrupt the committee’s visit.
In light of this, Oppong Asamoah emphasized the need to address the security risks posed by these groups, warning that further delays could embolden illegal occupants and endanger construction workers.
“Considering the location of this project, it’s a prime area in Accra. Many would be proud to live here. Unfortunately, encroachers and landguards have become a major nuisance. The government must intervene and take this project seriously,” he noted.
He stressed the urgency of completing the project before further encroachment occurs.
“It’s good that we came here, and we’ll follow up. We’ll engage the Minister of Finance to explore funding options to ensure the project’s full implementation. Since it falls under the Ministry of Works and Housing, the Minister must prioritize it,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Oppong Asamoah expressed optimism about the project’s future.
“Once completed, this will be a beautiful residential community. In fact, I’d be happy to live here myself. The area is peaceful, well-located, and has great potential for families looking for a decent place to call home,” he added.
SP/MA
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