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13.04.2012 General News

STX abrogation: its better late than never – Adenta MP

13.04.2012 LISTEN
By Daily Guide

National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Adenta, Kojo Adu Asare is elated at government's decision to finally abrogate the controversial $1.5 billion STX Korean housing deal.

He said even though government could have avoided the embarrassment surrounding the deal, the decision to terminate the contract has come at an opportune time.

Hon. Adu Asare came under severe attacks after he openly asked government to withdraw the sovereign guarantee it granted to STX after the company failed to execute the flagship housing deal.

The delay attributed to the endless boardroom wrangling between the Korean and Ghanaian partners over ownership of the contract stalled the housing deal which would have reduced the country's housing deficit tremendously.

But the Adenta MP now feels vindicated after the Works and Housing Minister, ET Mensah at a press conference, Wednesday, announced government resolution to abort the housing project – which would have provided about 300,000 housing units for security personnel in its first phase.

Government has also vowed to pursue STX Korea to recover all investments and assets it provided to execute the failed housing deal.

Speaking on Asempa FM's Ekosii Sen programme Thursday, Kojo Adu Asare opined that government is still committed to its affordable housing policy.

'If STX [has] failed, it does not mean NDC has neglected it housing policy. I can tell you without a shadow of doubt [that] before 2012, NDC would deliver,' he added.

Kojo Adu Asare insisted that government provided all the resources needed for the project but officials of STX Korea failed to fulfill their part of the bargain due to their internal power struggle.

The Adenta MP recalled how embarrassed he became anytime he drove through the Tesano Police Depot where President John Mills cut the sod for the construction of the 30,000 Housing units promised by the Koreans to the country's security personnel.

He was sure government had learnt enough lessons from the STX brouhaha and would not repeat such an avoidable blunder in subsequent deals.

Kojo Adu Asare hinted that before the end of 2012, the Mills-led administration would deliver affordable housing units to the people of Ghana to salvage its integrity.

Source: Myjoyonline

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