The Saglemi Housing Project, once seen as one of Ghana’s major affordable housing initiatives, is showing renewed signs of activity after years of delays, neglect and controversy.
A recent visit to the site revealed contractors and workers back on the grounds, with overgrown vegetation being cleared, damaged buildings assessed and rehabilitation work ongoing.
Several housing units, including two-bedroom and three-bedroom attached and detached apartments, have either been completed or are at various stages of preparation for occupation.
The project’s access roads are also largely asphalted, while trees planted along some roads have improved the appearance of parts of the development. A client service post is also being constructed to provide assistance to prospective occupants once the project becomes operational.
However, the revival remains uneven. Some buildings have received significant attention, while others still show signs of years of abandonment, including rusted sinks, faded paint, exposed electrical points and missing cables.
The project has also suffered extensive vandalism. Reports indicate that more than 230 concrete drainage covers were stolen, while electrical wiring, meter cables and window frames were removed from some buildings.
The luxury apartment section has suffered particularly severe deterioration. Of 40 one-storey luxury buildings assessed, only 10 are reportedly considered suitable for renovation, with the remaining structures expected to be demolished because of their condition.
This means the rehabilitation is not simply about completing unfinished buildings. Some structures will have to be rebuilt, while damaged infrastructure and utilities will also require restoration.
Despite these challenges, the return of workers and the clearing of vegetation have renewed hopes that Saglemi could finally serve its original purpose of providing affordable housing to Ghanaians.
President John Dramani Mahama recently visited the project and indicated that about 700 housing units could be ready by March 2027.
The major challenge now is to ensure that the rehabilitated homes are properly connected to essential services and eventually occupied.
After years of inactivity, Saglemi is once again an active construction and rehabilitation site. The real measure of success, however, will be whether the project can finally transition from a long-delayed development into a functioning housing community for Ghanaians.
