Millions Spent on Kufuor's Private House

The Ghana Palaver says the refusal by President J.A. Kufuor to move from his house to stay in an official residence, immediately after being sworn into office, is now seen as a trick of getting his house renovated with state funds.

"Although Government sources are tight-lipped on the huge amount spent on the renovation of the house, construction experts estimate it to be running into millions of cedis."

After the renovation, President Kufuor, has now reportedly, indicated his willingness to move to an official residence that was yet to be named but renovation works have already begun at both the Castle, Osu, and the Flagstaff House in Accra to be used as official residences.

Until his retirement, ex-President J.J. Rawlings stayed in the Castle for years as his official residence but on taking office, President Kufuor reportedly described its state unfit to be used as a dwelling place for a Head of State.

Observers wonder whether President Kufuor will refund the cost of the renovation, including the provision of air- conditioners, deep-freezers, "presidential furniture and carpets" when he finally leaves his present private/official home in the Airport Residential Area.

It will be recalled that Mr Kufuor's "master", the late Premier K.A. Busia, also used Government funds to transform his private house at Odorkor, Accra, into an official residence during his short stay in power.