Speaker orders parliamentary probe into alleged misappropriation of $159m meant for Saglemi Housing project

Speaker of Parliament, Mike Oquaye has directed a parliamentary probe into the alleged misappropriation of about $159 million meant for the Saglemi Housing project.

The Speaker noted that the Works and Housing Committee together with the leadership of the Prosecution and Legal Committee is to produce their findings within two weeks.

“The matter has now been referred to the Works and Housing Committee the leadership of the Prosecution and Legal Committee are to join to look into this matter which has been presented before the House and all its aspects and report as a matter of urgency,” Prof Oquaye ordered.

The Works and Housing Minister, Samuel Atta Akyea earlier today told Parliament that in a month, an audit of expenditures on the housing project will be completed to pave way for the prosecution of some former NDC government officials involved in the project.

He said although almost $200 million was paid to the contractor for the construction of 5,000 housing units, only 1,000 have been built.

He claimed Former Works and Housing Minister, Collins Dauda varied the contract terms after Parliamentary approval, which was illegal.

Interacting with the media outside Parliament, Mr. Atta Akyea said $40 million of $80 million released to the contractor initially for mobilization was diverted.

But, former Deputy Works and Housing Minister, Sampson Ahi denied the claim that some former government officials misappropriated money.

He further dared Mr. Atta Akyea to go ahead with the prosecution, noting that the Minister has issued such threats before to no avail.

“He said this three years ago, that they were taking culprits to court, we have been waiting for when that court matter will start.

“Everybody is ready to respond because we didn’t do anything untoward,” he was categorical.

He insisted the contract was not varied after parliamentary approval.