The Parliamentary Select Committee on Works and Housing has expressed significant concern over the stalled Affordable Housing Project at Pokuase-Mayera in Accra, urging the government to urgently address critical funding delays and escalating security threats from encroachers and landguards.
During a working visit to the project site on Monday, May 5, 2025, the Committee Chairman, Mr. Vincent Oppong Asamoah, emphasized the urgent need for the Ministry of Finance to release the necessary funds to ensure the project’s completion, warning that further delays would exacerbate encroachment and endanger infrastructure and lives.
“If we don’t act now, encroachment will worsen, putting infrastructure and human lives at risk,” Mr. Oppong Asamoah stated, highlighting the committee’s firsthand observation of the project’s stalled progress. He noted that the housing project, initially slated for completion in 2024, remains significantly behind schedule due to the delayed disbursement of funds.
“So, for me, if you look at the road infrastructure, the contractor is saying that he wasn’t even paid mobilisation… and we need to urgently do something… these are outstanding issues that the government would have to deal with,” he elaborated, expressing the committee’s dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.
Mr. Oppong Asamoah likened the situation to the challenges faced by the Saglemi housing project, emphasizing that “These are critical housing interventions, and the lack of financial support is jeopardising their success.” He lamented the government’s failure to meet its contractual obligations, stating, “Per the workplan, we were supposed to have completed this in 2024, but you come around, and there’s no structure.”
The project’s woes are compounded by the activities of encroachers and landguards, who are actively hindering progress and even attempted to disrupt the parliamentary committee’s visit. Mr. Oppong Asamoah stressed the urgency of addressing these security risks, warning that further delays would embolden illegal occupation and threaten the safety of workers.
“Looking at the location of this project, I think it’s a very prime area of Accra, and I believe a lot of people will be proud to live in this place. Unfortunately, you look at encroachers together with landguards who have become a nuisance to the project. So, I believe the government would have to come in… and take the project seriously,” he urged.
Despite these significant challenges, Mr. Oppong Asamoah expressed optimism about the project’s potential, stating, “once completed, this will be a beautiful residential community… In fact, I’d be happy to live here myself. The area is peaceful, well-located, and has great potential for families looking for a decent place to call home.” He assured that the committee would follow up with the Minister of Finance to secure the necessary resources for the project’s full implementation.
