Outspoken Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Honourable Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, has strongly criticized the government’s decision to invest in a Hajj Village project at a time when Ghana faces pressing developmental challenges.
In a statement, the MP questioned the rationale behind prioritizing a facility meant for a select religious group while critical national projects such as the Agenda 111 hospitals remain unfinished.
He emphasized that resources should be directed toward initiatives that benefit all Ghanaians rather than a fraction of the population.
“While I respect the significance of religious obligations, national resources must be directed toward projects that serve all Ghanaians,” A Plus stated.
“We have critical projects like the Agenda 111 hospitals, some of which are near completion and will provide essential healthcare services to millions. Shouldn’t we focus on completing these hospitals first?”
Defending the project, the spokesperson for the President claimed that the Hajj Village is being funded by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), not directly from taxpayer money.
However, A Plus dismissed this justification, arguing that the GACL is a state enterprise, meaning any funds it utilizes are ultimately public resources.
“The Ghana Airports Company does not belong to Asagyam Herbal Clinic,” he said sarcastically. “It is a state-owned entity, so any money it spends is still state money. If there is a need for a new terminal, then let’s build one that improves air travel for everyone, not just a specific group.”
Drawing parallels with the controversial National Cathedral project, A Plus warned that the government could be taking the same path that led to the mismanagement of funds and an incomplete structure.
He reminded Ghanaians how the Akufo-Addo administration initially assured the public that taxpayer money would not be used for the cathedral, only for over $400 million to be spent on a project that remains unfinished.
“This is how it begins,” he cautioned. “They dismiss criticism, send their foot soldiers to insult us, and later, we all see the disastrous outcome. We have seen these things before, we have fought them, and we will always win against them.”
A Plus’ statement has sparked widespread debate, with many Ghanaians questioning whether the Hajj Village project is truly a necessity at this time. Critics argue that prioritizing a religious facility over essential public services is a misplaced use of resources.
Meanwhile, proponents of the project insist that Ghana’s Muslim population deserves better travel infrastructure for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
As discussions continue, A Plus has vowed to hold the government accountable, ensuring that state funds are allocated based on national priorities rather than religious or political considerations.
