News:
February 10, 2026
The Chairman of Parliament’s Works and Housing Committee, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, has announced that the committee will soon visit the stalled Saglemi housing project site. He expressed concern over the state of the project, noting that approximately $200 million was invested before it was left unattended in the later years of the previous NPP administration.
“As a ranking member previously, I raised strong concerns about this project,” said the Dormaa West MP. “Although the previous government brought in a private developer toward its end, I have not visited since and cannot confirm the current state of the site.”
Chairman Asamoah indicated that the committee will first invite the current Minister for Works and Housing to a meeting this Wednesday for a briefing. A key priority will be to scrutinize the contract signed with the private developer.
“We need to understand that contract,” he stated. “Then we will follow through with the developer to ensure the project is completed and done on time. We will play our oversight role seriously.”
Addressing Flood Risks and Encroachment
Beyond Saglemi, Asamoah commended recent demolition exercises along drains in Accra but urged authorities to extend the exercise to areas like Agbogbloshie, where encroachment persists near the Odaw River.
He also highlighted that the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project has stalled due to residents refusing to move from open drains. “We may need to apply force to clear the way so the project can proceed unimpeded,” he said, suggesting that a firm stance in Accra would set a precedent for future project phases in cities like Kumasi.
The committee plans to visit Kumasi regarding the GARID project, emphasizing that buildings encroaching on drains must be removed to allow for channel widening and improved drainage capacity.
Call for Discipline and Accountability
Asamoah attributed perennial flooding in major cities primarily to human activity and indiscipline. He called for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to strengthen their planning units and immediately stop issuing permits for construction near drains.
“Very soon, we will start inviting those who issue such permits,” he warned. “Despite being under the Local Government ministry, we will hold public hearings, similar to the Public Accounts Committee, to hold them accountable. We will use the laws of the land to deal with these issues.”
The committee is set to outline its full program for the parliamentary session following its initial meetings this week.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso, Ghanamps.com