afrol News, 11 November - Ghanaian president, John Kufuor, is facing intense criticism from opposition after unveiling a US $30 million presidential complex to serve as official residences of the president and his vice.

The Golden Jubilee House, was under spot light as opposition parties argued that government was not considerate and was being insensitive to the plight of thousands citizens facing extreme hunger and poverty.

They also accuse president Kufuor of breaking his promise after saying he would not be first president to use new building and claiming that it would be his legacy.

This comes after government announced president's staff would be moving into the new complex in preparation for president Kufuor's arrival before end of his second term. But government dismissed accusations as being without merit.

The main opposition party, NDC, has raised objections to cost of luxurious palace. The opposition has charged government has got its priorities wrong at a time when Ghana should be investing in infrastructure, health and education.

However, its leader, John Atta-Mills said he will not boycott the building if elected as president in December.

According to local reports, final cost has not yet been confirmed, but it is expected to be between $45-50million.

The main office complex resembles a traditional seat, important in Ghana's folklore, and Kwame Nkrumah mausoleum built for the country's first president and representing a tree cut off in its prime.

The decision to construct complex generated robust national debate which sought to suggest timing as wrong, and as not taking into account hardships the nation was experiencing.

President Kufuor said government at every stage of the construction had been sensitive to financial implications of the venture as well as conditions of life of the society.

Information minister has said Ghanaians should not worry about the cost, but rather think of value new palace brings.

The project was originally estimated to cost $36.9 million was undertaken with an Indian concessionary loan that has a 50 per cent grant element and an interest rate of 1.75 percent, repayable in 25 years.

The palace was built by an Indian contractor using Ghanaian sub-contractors. The construction works started in 2006.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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