The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has officially withdrawn all charges against former Minister for Works and Housing, Collins Dauda, and four others involved in the high-profile Saglemi Housing Project case.
The state’s decision was confirmed in a nolle prosequi notice filed at the High Court (Financial Division 1) in Accra on Friday, February 7, 2025, signaling an end to the prosecution of the accused individuals.
The withdrawal of charges applies to Collins Dauda, former Minister for Water Resources, Works, and Housing, Kweku Agyeman-Mensah, former Chief Director of the same ministry, Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu, CEO of Ridge Management Solutions Ghana Limited, Nouvi Tetteh Angelo, and the late Andrew Clocanas, former Executive Chairman of Construtora OAS Ghana Limited. The Attorney-General’s decision formally brings the legal proceedings against them to a close.
The case dates back to allegations surrounding the $200 million Saglemi Affordable Housing Project, which was initiated to provide housing for Ghanaians but became embroiled in controversy. The accused had faced 70 charges, including causing financial loss to the state. The prosecution claimed that the project, which was meant to deliver thousands of housing units, failed to meet its intended purpose due to financial mismanagement and contractual breaches.
The case was initially pursued under the Akufo-Addo-led administration, with accusations that Collins Dauda and his co-accused played key roles in the project’s planning and execution. Prosecutors alleged that financial irregularities and mismanagement prevented the successful completion of the housing project, leading to the loss of state funds.
Andrew Clocanas, who was among those charged, passed away before the case reached its conclusion. His role in the project had been central to the allegations, particularly concerning contract execution and financial disbursements. With his passing, the case against him was naturally rendered void.
Nouvi Tetteh Angelo, CEO of Ridge Management Solutions Ghana Limited, was also accused of involvement in financial discrepancies linked to the project. The charges against him and the others suggested that funds earmarked for the project were not utilized effectively, resulting in significant delays and uncompleted housing units.
Collins Dauda, who served as Minister for Works and Housing under the John Mahama administration, had consistently denied any wrongdoing. He argued that all financial transactions and project approvals were conducted within legal frameworks and in accordance with government policies. His legal team had repeatedly maintained that the allegations against him were politically motivated.
Similarly, Kweku Agyeman-Mensah and Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu had refuted claims that they were responsible for financial losses, asserting that the housing project had faced challenges beyond their control, including contractual delays and funding constraints.
The Saglemi Housing Project was envisioned as a solution to Ghana’s housing deficit, with plans to construct 5,000 affordable housing units. However, only 1,500 units were partially completed before work stalled, leading to widespread criticism and calls for accountability. The government, under successive administrations, struggled to resolve the issues surrounding the project, with legal actions taken to determine responsibility for its stalled progress.
Public reactions to the Attorney-General’s decision have been mixed. Supporters of Collins Dauda and his co-accused have welcomed the move, arguing that the charges were politically driven and lacked substantial evidence. They believe the withdrawal of charges vindicates the former officials and proves that the case was a misrepresentation of facts.
On the other hand, critics have expressed disappointment, stating that the decision to drop the charges undermines efforts to ensure accountability in public office. Some argue that the case should have been allowed to run its full course in court to establish whether any wrongdoing occurred.
Legal experts have also weighed in on the Attorney-General’s decision, noting that a nolle prosequi does not necessarily mean the accused were found innocent. It simply indicates that the state has chosen not to proceed with the case, which could be due to insufficient evidence or a reconsideration of prosecutorial priorities.
The withdrawal of the case also raises questions about the future of the Saglemi Housing Project. With legal proceedings now concluded, attention is expected to shift towards completing the project and addressing the country’s housing challenges. The government has yet to outline a clear roadmap for reviving the stalled project, leaving many Ghanaians uncertain about its fate.
Collins Dauda, following the Attorney-General’s decision, expressed gratitude to his supporters and reiterated his innocence. He maintained that his actions while in office were in the best interest of the country and that he had always acted within the law. He called for renewed efforts to complete the Saglemi Housing Project, emphasizing that affordable housing remains a critical issue that needs urgent attention.
The Attorney-General’s decision marks the end of a long legal battle that had drawn significant public and political interest. While the case is now closed, the broader concerns surrounding accountability in public projects and the completion of the Saglemi Housing Project remain unresolved. The government’s next steps in ensuring that the project serves its intended purpose will be closely watched by both policymakers and the public.
