News
Govt to introduce new road maintenance trust fund to cater for better roads
The government is set to introduce a new Road Maintenance Trust Fund aimed at improving how roads are maintained across the country.
This was announced by the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, during the presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament.
According to him, the new trust fund will replace the current Ghana Road Fund, as part of efforts to reorganize and refocus government’s approach to road maintenance.
Dr. Forson stated that the Minister for Roads and Highways will soon lay the road maintenance trust fund bill before Parliament for approval.
“The Road Maintenance Trust Fund will come with a new governance structure, a fairer formula for allocating funds, and greater transparency in how the road fund levy and other resources are used,” he explained.
He added that the government has identified 166 constituencies that are in dire need of road infrastructure.
To address this,he noted that the plan was to rehabilitate 10 kilometres of roads every year in each of these constituencies.
“This means about 5,000 kilometres of roads will be reconstructed over the next three years,” Dr. Forson said.
He underscored the importance of the initiative saying, it will improve road conditions, enhance transportation, and benefit both commuters and businesses across the country.
By Jacob Aggrey
News
Taskforce crush buildings at Sakumono Ramsar site
It was a painful sight for owners of unauthorised buildings erected at the Sakumono Ramsar site on Tuesday when a taskforce invaded the area, demolishing structures to reclaim encroached lands.
The taskforce also stopped ongoing construction at the flood-prone zone.
The exercise, spearheaded by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mrs Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC), and various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), was part of a broader plan to prevent future disasters.
Tuesday’s exercise followed a two-day demolition exercise held last month that saw more than 100 buildings and fence walls crushed.
The exercise, according to Mrs Ocloo, was a proactive measure to mitigate the impact of flooding and ensure public safety.
Despite the high level of resistance, she noted that, the exercise would continue until all illegal structures were brought down and the land restored to its ecological status.
were also destroyed
The Director General of NADMO, Major Dr Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, described the exercise as ‘very successful,’ highlighting that no physical obstructions or confrontations occurred.
By Cecilia Yada Lagba
News
Ashanti Regional REGSEC bans use of motorbikes after 7pm until further notice
The Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council has expressed its deep sorrow over the death of Alhaji Abdul-Malik Azenbge, the Chief of Kusaase, who was shot and killed at Asewase on Tuesday, 22nd July 2025.
In reaction to this tragic incident, the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) held an emergency meeting on Wednesday, 24th July 2025 to assess the situation and take immediate action to maintain peace in the region.
After the meeting, REGSEC announced that motorbikes would no longer be allowed on the roads after 7:00pm until further notice.
In a press release signed by the Ashanti regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene made it clear that the use of unlicensed motorbikes or those without lights was strictly prohibited.
Additionally, they ordered an immediate suspension of the inter-tribal football competition that was ongoing in the region.
Another measure announced was a temporary ban on motorbike riders wearing smocks. According to REGSEC, some individuals have been using smocks to hide weapons, and this posed a serious security threat.
To ensure public safety and prevent further violence, REGSEC said there would be a strong security presence in identified hotspot areas.
It indicated that both police officers and military personnel would be deployed to help protect lives and property.
The Council assured the public of the government’s firm commitment to maintaining law and order.
They noted that everything was being done to find and arrest those responsible for the killing of the chief.
They called on the general public to cooperate with security agencies and share any credible information that could help with investigations. REGSEC emphasized that they remain fully committed to their mandate of keeping the region safe and peaceful.
By Jacob Aggrey
