Saglemi: NPP’s private-sector model vindicated – Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

Former Housing Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah asserts that the progress made on the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project vindicates the private-sector participation model adopted by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. During his tenure, Oppong Nkrumah argued that this approach would safeguard the state's interests while averting further government financial commitments.

Reflecting on the current NDC government's stance, he noted that they have maintained the private-sector participation (PSP) framework rather than shifting the entire financial responsibility back to the state. At a recent press conference following President John Dramani Mahama's visit to the site, Oppong Nkrumah highlighted that despite initial controversies, the private developer under the arrangement has continued its work, and the original financing terms remain intact.

He emphasized that the phased approach to completing Saglemi, including milestones such as 700 units, 1,000 units, and 2,000 units, has been upheld by the current administration. President Mahama's visit has reignited interest in the project, with the government outlining timelines for the initial phase of housing units and subsequent expansions.

Oppong Nkrumah appreciates the efforts of technical teams, consultants, and private-sector developers who contributed to restructuring the project, which he believes has placed Saglemi on a more sustainable path. He dismisses opposition to private-sector involvement as largely political, viewing the ongoing work as a testament to private-sector efficacy in delivering public infrastructure without burdening the government financially.

For Oppong Nkrumah, the revival of Saglemi serves as an example of successful private-sector participation in delivering public goods and services, advocating for further collaboration between government and private investors in future initiatives. He looks forward to the project's completion, seeing it as the ultimate goal regardless of which administration receives credit for the finished homes.