Former President John Mahama has raised concerns over the government’s decision to transfer the Saglemi Housing Project to private individuals without properly consulting the original landowners.
He explained that the project, initiated under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during his administration, was developed after securing land through negotiations with the people of Ningo-Prampram.
Mahama criticized the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) for abandoning the project upon assuming office and emphasized that if the government now plans to hand it over to private entities, the original landowners must be actively involved in the decision-making process.
“It was the NDC that started the Saglemi Housing project. We consulted the people of the Ningo-Prampram before we started that project. After we left, this government has abandoned it. Recently, I heard they want to give it to private people.
“But the point I’m making to them is that if you are changing the status of that project from a government project to a private project, you need to discuss with the allodial owners of the land,” he said.
Mr Mahama further noted that, as of now, the government has yet to hold any consultations with the people of Ningo-Prampram.
“You cannot eliminate that land by handing that project to a private company without the permission and discussion and negotiation with the allodial owners, who are the Ningo people. And so when we come, we’re going to review whatever you’re doing there,” he stated.
He stressed that the housing project is a public asset belonging to the people of Ghana and cannot be handed over to private entities without adhering to proper protocols.
“This serves as a warning to them,” he said, noting that a government led by the NDC would ensure that any future agreements related to the project prioritize the interests and involvement of the local community.
The former President committed that an NDC administration would reassess the existing agreement governing the project to guarantee that the local community is actively engaged and has a say in its development.