I strongly disagree with the controversial Hajj Village project- A Plus

A heated debate is brewing in Ghana over government's decision to construct a Hajj Village, a facility intended to serve as a terminal for Muslims embarking on the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

In a Facebook post today, musician and Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Kwame A Plus argues that the project is a misplaced priority, especially when considered alongside the country's more pressing needs, such as completing the Agenda 111 hospitals.

The spokesperson for the President has defended the project, claiming that it is being funded by the Ghana Airports Company Ltd (GACL) and does not involve taxpayer money.

 However, A Plus noted that as a state enterprise, GACL's funds are ultimately derived from the state, making it a de facto use of taxpayer money. (Read also: I criticised but I now understand why MPs need sirens after 2 days in office - A Plus)

He argues that the government should focus on more critical infrastructure projects, such as expanding Terminal 2 at Kotoka International Airport, rather than investing in a facility that benefits only a fraction of the population.

See full post below:

I strongly disagree with the controversial Hajj Village project, especially at a time when according to the new government, Ghana has more urgent priorities. While I respect the significance of religious obligations, national resources must be directed toward projects that serve all Ghanaians.

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?

The spokesperson for the President claims that the Hajj Village is a new airport terminal being built by the Ghana Airports Company Ltd (GACL) and that no taxpayer money is involved. Please, 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. If there is a need for a new terminal, which may be more expensive than the cost of the Hajj Village/Hajj Terminal, go ahead and build one with modern facilities that improve air travel for everyone.

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.

This is how it begins—they fail to take wise counsel and instead send their foot soldiers to insult us and make wild allegation 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!