I Strongly Disagree With The Controversial Hajj Village Project – Kwame A Plus

Honorable Kwame Asare Obeng, the Independent Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, who is widely known as A Plus, has publicly opposed the government’s plan to construct a Hajj Village, questioning its timing and relevance amid pressing national priorities. In a Facebook post, Obeng argued that the project, which primarily serves a specific religious group, should not take precedence over critical infrastructure projects that benefit all Ghanaians.

A Question of Priorities

Obeng emphasized that while he respects the importance of religious obligations, the government must prioritize projects that address the broader needs of the population. He pointed to the Agenda 111 hospitals initiative as an example of a more urgent and impactful use of national resources.

“We have critical projects like the Agenda 111 hospitals. Some are near completion and will provide essential healthcare services to millions. Shouldn’t we focus on completing these hospitals before investing in a facility that benefits only a fraction of the population?” he questioned.

The Agenda 111 project, aimed at improving healthcare access across the country, has been a flagship initiative of the government. Obeng’s comments highlight the growing concern among some Ghanaians about the allocation of limited resources to projects perceived as less inclusive or urgent.

Debate Over Funding and Ownership

The government has defended the Hajj Village project, stating that it is being funded by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) and does not involve taxpayer money. However, Obeng dismissed this argument, noting that the GACL is a state-owned enterprise, meaning its funds are ultimately public resources.

“The Ghana Airport Company does not belong to Asagyam Herbal Clinic. It is a state enterprise, meaning any funds it uses are still state funds,” he stated. Obeng further suggested that if there is a genuine need for a new airport terminal, the government should invest in a modern facility that benefits all air travelers, rather than a project with limited scope.

Echoes of Past Controversies

Obeng drew parallels between the Hajj Village project and the controversial National Cathedral project, which has faced widespread criticism for its cost and lack of progress. He recalled how the government initially claimed the National Cathedral would not cost taxpayers anything, only for it to become a significant financial burden.

“We have seen this playbook before. This is exactly how Akufo-Addo and Ken Ofori-Atta justified their National Cathedral project—promising it wouldn’t cost the taxpayer a cent. Yet, they ended up spending over $400 million on a project that remains unfinished, with nothing to show but a dirty swimming pool,” he remarked.

His comments reflect a broader skepticism about the government’s ability to manage large-scale projects transparently and efficiently, particularly when they are tied to specific religious or political interests.

A Call for Accountability and Prudent Resource Allocation

Obeng’s critique underscores the need for greater accountability and careful prioritization in government spending. He warned against dismissing public concerns and urged the government to heed wise counsel rather than resorting to divisive tactics.

“This is how it begins—they fail to take wise counsel and instead send their foot soldiers to insult us and make wild allegations against us for speaking the truth. We have seen these things, we have fought these things, we have won against them, and will always win no matter how far under we go. It is a fact, scientifically proven!” he declared.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com