Editorial
Good news as Saglemi Affordable Housing Project bounces back soon
Due to Ghana’s acute housing crisis, a sizable section of the population cannot afford formal, adequate housing.
For instance, in Accra, where more than half of the population lives in urban areas, rental costs are exorbitant, with one-bedroom apartments typically costing GH₵4,000 a month.
These high costs make decent housing unaffordable for low-to-middle income earners forcing many to rely on sub-standard, overcrowded, or informal settlements, and a reliance on advance rent payments, often 1 – 2 years, despite legal limits.
These crises affect those in both rural and urban areas as they face shortages in basic amenities like water, electricity, and proper sanitation.
It is therefore a refreshing news that the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project which has remained stalled for several years, will bounce back soon. This was announced by the Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, at the Presidency on Wednesday in Accra when he took his turn at the Government Accountability Series.
The Saglemi Affordable Housing Project is a US$200 million public housing project located in Prampram in the Ningo Prampram District in the Greater Accra Region, which was initiated by the John Mahama Administration in 2012 to build 5,000 housing units, to ease accommodation deficit in Ghana, particularly within the Greater Accra Region.
The Minister revealed that his outfit has chosen a developer to finish the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project, and he assured that the ministry has intensified and concluded its engagement with the developer and is awaiting guidance from the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice regarding the start of work on the project that has stalled.
The Spectator is of the hope that as promised by the Minister the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project and others would be completed soon after documents are finalised to ease the pressure of housing problems on Ghanaians.
We hope that the State Housing Company Limited will continue its work on key projects such as the Surge Homes development at Amrahia and the SHC Gardens projects which are at 68 and 70 percent complete respectively.
It is also worth noting that besides the above projects the Tema Development Corporation (TDC) is spreading its tentacles to other regions with its first out-of-Accra project in Ho and other regions set to be explored.
The authorities should be mindful of the distribution process to the Ghanaian workers to ensure fair treatment to all, especially the average Ghanaian who wants to make an effort to own a house.
We strongly believe that the completion of these projects will meet the housing needs of the average working Ghanaians and positively impact their lives.
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Dear Editor,
I write to express concern about the increasing rate of road accidents on the Kumasi–Accra highway, which has become a source of fear for many commuters.
It is one of the busiest roads in Ghana, connecting two major cities and serving thousands of passengers daily. Sadly, almost every week, we hear reports of fatal crashes, injuries, and loss of property along the stretch. Many families have lost loved ones, and several survivors are left with lifelong injuries.
The causes of these accidents are not far-fetched. Over-speeding, reckless overtaking, driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, and disregard for road traffic regulations are major contributors.
In some sections, bad road conditions, faded road markings, and inadequate street lighting also increase the risk, especially at night and during rainy weather.
It is worrying that despite repeated accidents, little seems to change. Drivers continue to overspeed, some commercial drivers drive under pressure to meet unrealistic travel times, and enforcement of traffic laws appears weak in certain areas.
I, therefore appeal to the relevant authorities, including the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and the Ministry of Roads and Highways, to intensify road safety education, enforce traffic laws strictly, and ensure regular patrols on this highway.
Road signs should be improved, damaged portions of the road fixed promptly, and speed limits clearly enforced.
Drivers must also take personal responsibility by obeying traffic rules, avoiding unnecessary overtaking, and ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy. Passengers should speak up when drivers drive recklessly, because silence can cost lives.
Road accidents are preventable. Let us act now to make the Kumasi–Accra Highway safer for all users before more innocent lives are lost.
By Eugene Ampiaw, Takoradi
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Dear Editor,
THE incident of baby theft at the Mamprobi Polyclinic on Tuesday was quite unfortunate.
It is very sad that a woman that has endured nine challenging months of pregnancy and gone through a Caesarian Section to deliver would go through such an unfortunate situation.
We should be grateful to God that the baby was found and reunited with mother a day after the disappearance.
This is not the first occurrence and I believe may not be the last and is the reason why I welcome the calls for improved security protocols at the various health facilities across the country.
Several speculative narratives are flying all over with calls for a harsher punishment.
As unfortunate as the action of the suspect was, it is important that she is also checked mentally and psychologically. A number of factors may have contributed to this action including an inability to conceive and the ensuing societal pressure and stigma of barrenness.
A lot of women are facing such challenges but have not mustered the courage to attempt such a heinous crime. This should occupy the minds of agencies responsible for women issues to increase awareness on situations like this.
A woman whose marriage is collapsing under the weight of barrenness can be affected psychologically and, in that situation, could arrive at any decision.
Naa Torshie,
Dansoman
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