Dissatisfied Select Committee calls for probe on Dansoman Sea Defence project
Parliament's Committee on Works and Housing has expressed dissatisfaction with the quality and pace of work on the Dansoman Emergency Sea Defence Project in Accra, calling for a full probe into the contract and procurement processes surrounding the project.
The committee said members were unconvinced that the progress made so far reflected the project's nearly $80 million investment.
After leading members of the committee on an inspection visit to the site last Monday the Chairperson and Member of Parliament (MP) for Dormaa West, Vincent Asamoah Oppong, said the committee was particularly concerned about the contractor’s lack of experience, as it emerged that the company was executing a sea defence project for the first time.
Given the cost and technical scope, he indicated that Parliament would initiate a comprehensive probe to ensure value for money and transparency.
“Looking at the cost of the project, technically, there are a whole lot of issues that members are calling for investigations into. The project is very important because of the destruction caused by tidal waves, but there are too many questions that need answers — from procurement to the technical capability of the contractor,” he stated.
Contractor
Hardrock Africa Company Limited, contractors for the Dansoman Sea Defence Project, began work in December 2024. The five-kilometre project aims to protect coastal communities, livelihoods and infrastructure from erosion and tidal flooding by constructing groynes that trap sand and reclaim lost land.
The project also includes auxiliary developments such as cold stores, fish markets, clinics, toilets and shops to boost local economic activities.
The company said delays caused by late payments, adverse weather and machinery corrosion had slowed progress, but it is expected to be completed by June 2028.
Similar projects
Mr Asamoah compared the Dansoman project with similar sea defence works, such as at Blekusu, where eight kilometres of shore protection were being constructed at a lower cost than the five kilometres at Dansoman. He described the discrepancy as “worrying” and said Parliament would soon make its findings public.
He added that the committee might seek a joint referral to the Speaker to enable financial and technical audits of the project.
“We need to go into the procurement process, even to their local contractors and determine how it was awarded and whether the contractor has the capacity to deliver. For now, the situation is worrying,” he emphasised.
Mr Asamoah further said the committee would not hesitate to summon the relevant agencies and stakeholders to clarify the contract terms and the execution challenges, reiterating the need for accountability and value for money.
unanimity
The Ranking Member on the committee and MP for Techiman South, Adjei-Mensah Korsah, supported the chair’s position, describing the progress as unsatisfactory.
He revealed that only six of the 22 approved groynes had been undertaken, with just two completed.
“There was no material on site until our arrival. For the amount involved, the level of work is not commensurate. We are being shortchanged,” he said.
Mr Korsah stated that the committee was unanimous in demanding a value-for-money audit to safeguard public funds and prevent wastage of taxpayers' money.
