Jubilee House vindicated
Accra, Oct. 1, Ghanadot - Briefing
the media in Accra on Thursday after a tour of the Jubilee
House, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a Deputy Minister of
Information, said government was satisfied with the work
done on Jubilee House so far but
that President John Evans Atta Mills would not rush to move
into the place when the security residency had not been
completed.
A preliminary report from the technical team working at the
Jubilee House has indicated that US$82 million has so far
been spent on the facility as against the US$30 million said
to be the cost initially.
In addition to the money spent, an additional US$50 million
would be needed to complete the project involving
landscaping, residency for security personnel, clinic, post
office and clearing of the “forest” behind the House, which
poses a security threat.
Mr, Ablakwa also said that staff
bungalows of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation opposite the
main entrance of the Jubilee House would have to be brought
down and a residency for security staff built.
He explained that consultations were ongoing between the
government and the management of GBC on this development.
Mr Ablakwa, who was accompanied by Mr James Agyenim Boateng,
also a Deputy Minister of Information, refuted allegations
that government was going to use the building for a poultry
farm or a polyclinic saying the government would continue
with the project though it was not a priority.
“It is a national asset put up with the tax payers’ money
and should be continued to its completion to serve as a
national monument for all”, he added.
He noted that government would make available money for the
contractors by the end of the year to see to the full
completion of the House, and that although there would be
some movement of staff, the President would not rush until
all the concerns raised were addressed.
GNA
