Presidential Palace to cost 41 million dollars

Accra, March 21, GNA - The Presidential Palace under construction at the Flag Staff House in Accra is estimated to cost about 41 million dollars instead of the original 30 million dollars.

The additional 11 million dollars is the result of a rehabilitation project for warrant officers currently resident at the site and a new sewage system needed at the site.

The extra cost is also due to the rehabilitation of the Old Nkrumah House, which was also not originally part of the project. This came to light when Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, some Members of Parliament and Finance Committee in Parliament visited the site to see progress of work.

The Project under the supervision of Shapoorji Pallonji and Co. Limited of India, is about 55 per cent complete, according to Mr S.K. Singh, Assistant General Manager of the Project. It is expected to be completed in December 2007.

The building has two phases, the Presidential Offices, which would house the Offices of the President and Vice President, conference halls, banquet halls, waiting rooms, offices and the Presidential Villa, which would be the home of the president.

The offices in the building can house about 200 workers. It also has a spacious car park.

Mr Baah-Wiredu expressed satisfaction about progress of work and noted that it was about time that Ghana had her own presidential palace like other countries.

He said such an edifice could also attract a lot of tourists that could earn Ghana a lot of respect from foreign countries. Mr Kofi Frimpong, Member of Parliament for Kwabre East, noted that it was in the national interest that Ghana built her own presidential palace.

He said the project sought to maintain the residence of the first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

Mr Maxwell Kofi Jumah, Member of Parliament for Asokwa, expressed happiness about the quality of work.

He noted that it was sad to wait till this time to construct a presidential palace but said it was better late than never. Mr Jumah said he will agree to the additional funds being spent on the project.

Mr Kojo Opare Hammond, Member of Parliament for Adenta, reiterated the need for parliament to approve additional money needed for the project.

He said the Presidential Palace would not be of benefit to the current president but to other presidents and the nation as a whole.