Former President John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has promised to review the government’s decision to hand over the Saglemi Housing Project to private developer Quarm-LMI without prior consultation with the allodial landowners of Ningo-Prampram.
Mahama argues that the project, initiated during his administration, was started following a land acquisition agreement with the traditional authorities of the area, and any changes to its status must respect the same process.
Speaking to a crowd at Prampram during his Greater Accra regional campaign tour, Mahama underscored the importance of involving the local landowners in decisions about the future of the Saglemi project. He criticized the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration for bypassing the allodial owners, stating that the handover of such a significant national project to a private entity without their input was inappropriate.
“It was the NDC that started the Saglemi housing project,” Mahama reminded the gathering. “We consulted the people of Ningo-Prampram before we started that project. After we left office, this government has abandoned it. Recently, I heard they want to give it to private people.”
Mahama emphasized that the Saglemi project was not just another government undertaking but one that was developed in close collaboration with the local authorities, who had an interest in ensuring that the project’s objectives were met in a manner that benefited the community. According to Mahama, any change in the status of the project—from a government initiative to a private venture—requires proper dialogue with the traditional landowners.
“But the point I am making to them,” he continued, “is that if you are changing the status of that project from a government project to a private project, you need to discuss it with the allodial owners of the land.”
Mahama stressed that, based on his understanding, the NPP government had not engaged in any meaningful discussions with the Ningo-Prampram traditional leaders regarding the handover. “I know they haven’t done that discussion,” he said. “You cannot alienate that land by handing that project to a private company without permission, discussion, and negotiation with the allodial owners, who are the Ningo people.”
Mahama expressed disappointment at the handling of the project, accusing the government of disregarding local stakeholders. For Mahama, the exclusion of the Ningo-Prampram traditional authorities from the decision-making process violates the agreement his administration had respected when the project was first conceived.
During his tenure, the Saglemi Housing Project was launched with the aim of addressing Ghana’s housing deficit by providing affordable homes for Ghanaians. The project was expected to deliver 5,000 housing units in the first phase but has been mired in controversy since the change in administration. Under the NPP, the project has seen little progress, and the government’s recent decision to hand it over to Quarm-LMI to complete has been met with criticism.
Mahama’s campaign promises regarding Saglemi have reignited interest in the project, with many local residents eager to see it completed. The flagbearer pledged that under his next administration, he would not only review the current arrangement with Quarm-LMI but also ensure that the local landowners are fully involved in any future decisions about the project.
“When we come back to power,” Mahama said, “we are going to review whatever the government is doing there.” He reassured the people of Ningo-Prampram that their concerns would be addressed and that they would have a say in how the project is managed moving forward. For Mahama, this is not just about correcting what he sees as a misstep by the NPP but also about ensuring that the community benefits from the project as originally intended.
Mahama’s comments come at a time when the Ningo-Prampram constituency is grappling with various socioeconomic challenges, many of which are linked to the stalled housing project. The Saglemi Housing Project was expected to create jobs, boost local infrastructure, and provide affordable housing to thousands of families. Its abandonment has left many in the constituency frustrated, as they feel deprived of the economic opportunities the project could have generated.
In his speech, Mahama promised to prioritize the socioeconomic development of the Ningo-Prampram constituency if elected. He acknowledged the challenges facing the region, including unemployment and infrastructure deficits, and pledged to address these issues in his next administration. “We are committed to solving the problems of this constituency,” he assured the crowd.
As the NDC prepares for the 2024 elections, Mahama’s vow to review the Saglemi project is likely to resonate with voters in Ningo-Prampram, where the housing initiative was seen as a beacon of hope for many families. His commitment to engaging with the allodial landowners signals his respect for local governance and tradition, a value that could bolster his support in the region.
Mahama’s promise to revisit the Saglemi Housing Project underscores his broader campaign theme of “correcting the wrongs” of the current administration and ensuring that Ghana’s development is inclusive and community-focused. As the elections draw closer, the fate of the Saglemi project is poised to become a key issue in the NDC’s campaign, with Mahama positioning himself as the leader who will restore the project to its original vision.
