A private citizen, Samson Asaki Awingobit, has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to suspend further construction of the $1.3 billion Sentuo Airport Garden City Project in Accra. The petition, dated September 23, 2026, expresses concerns about the project's location near military, defence, and aviation installations. The project, developed by Sentuo Group, features 582 premium apartments, a 600-room hotel, and other commercial and recreational facilities.
Mr. Awingobit's concerns focus on the project's strategic location and potential national security implications. He emphasizes that his petition is not about the investment itself or Chinese participation in Ghana's economy but rather the project's proximity to sensitive installations. The proposed development is located at 10 Giffard Road in the Airport Residential Area, raising concerns about its impact on national security.
The petitioner requests a comprehensive national security assessment of the project, involving the Ghana Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence, National Security, Ghana Police Service, and Ghana Civil Aviation Authority. He wants the assessment to examine the project's design, technological infrastructure, and access arrangements, as well as their potential implications for nearby strategic installations.
Mr. Awingobit also questions the management of surveillance and security systems within the development, including CCTV networks and data infrastructure. He calls for oversight by Ghanaian security agencies over the complex's security arrangements and vetting of security personnel deployed to the development.
The petition highlights concerns about the project's proximity to Kotoka International Airport and potential security scenarios that could arise. Mr. Awingobit demands an immediate suspension of further construction until an independent, multi-agency security assessment is conducted, involving various security agencies and the Ghana Airports Company Limited.
The petitioner stresses that his concerns should not be interpreted as opposition to Chinese investment or the Sentuo Group. He argues that Ghana's pursuit of economic development must be balanced with national security protection. Mr. Awingobit urges President Mahama to direct a comprehensive national security assessment before additional construction work is undertaken.
Mr. Awingobit also seeks a strategic land-use review, a counter-surveillance assessment, and enhanced checks on beneficial ownership and the source of funds for the project. He calls for a review of proposed tenancy arrangements and mechanisms for vetting future occupants of the development, emphasizing that addressing potential security concerns after completion could be more difficult and costly.
Key points
- The petitioner, Samson Awingobit, requests a comprehensive national security assessment of the Sentuo Airport Garden City Project.
- The project, valued at $1.3 billion, features 582 premium apartments, a 600-room hotel, and other commercial and recreational facilities.
- The petitioner's concerns focus on the project's strategic location near military, defence, and aviation installations.
