Gov’t urged to consult broadly on Nima regeneration project

The Ayawaso North Member of Parliament (MP), Yussif Issaka Jajah, has called for broader consultations on a housing project that seeks to give a facelift to two populous suburbs in the Greater Accra Region.

Issaka Jajah said the over 400,000 residents of Nima and Mamobi that will be affected by the regeneration project must be properly informed.

Speaking on Adom FM’s current affairs show, Burning Issues on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, the Ayawaso North Legislator said his outfit has not been informed about the project but hopes a proper discussion would be done by all stakeholders before it begins.

The project was first announced by President Akufo-Addo during his 2019 State of the Nation Address indicating “the most exciting news on the housing landscape, though, is the drafting of plans to regenerate Nima, which holds the dubious title of being Accra’s first slum.”

Works and Housing Minister, Samuel Atta Akyea, has said the project is part of government’s measures in tackle the housing deficit in Ghana.

Confirming the Legislator’s claim on the issue, Youth Chief of Mamobi, Alhaji Abubakar Saddique Bonzie said residents of the vicinity have not been informed about any redevelopment project whilst speaking on the same show hosted by Akua Boakyewaa Yiadom.

Saddique Bonzie, however, admits that despite the consultation deficiency, the project is laudable.

“If it really comes off, it would be nice but it is not easy for us because, the nature of our community demands a full explanation of issues before a decision of such nature would be taken,” he stated.

Speaking on the same show, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Real Easter Developers Association (GREDA), Sammy Amegayibor said the government must commit the venture to private developers.

He believes this will prevent the project from being a white elephant – like other housing projects have become.