The former Minister for Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Bantama, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has criticised the government’s decision to abandon the ongoing Accra-Kumasi dualisation project in favour of a new six-lane expressway.

Mr. Asenso-Boakye described the move as “misguided,” arguing that the current administration was shifting focus from a strategic and economically viable project to an undefined and unfunded one.

He said the government’s decision lacked proper planning, transparency, and continuity.

According to him, the Accra-Kumasi corridor is the country’s most critical transport link, connecting major regions including Ashanti, Bono East, Northern, North East, and Upper East.

He noted that Kumasi serves as a central node for travelers heading to Bono, Savanna, Upper West, Western North, and Ahafo regions.

Mr. Asenso-Boakye revealed that the dualisation project, which began under the Kufuor administration, had seen significant progress under the Akufo-Addo-led government after being neglected during the Mills/Mahama era.

He stated that over 100 kilometers of the 240km stretch had already been dualised, with an additional 46 kilometers under active construction at sites such as Anyinam, Osino, Enyiresi, and Konongo.

He added that only 94 kilometers remained to complete the project.

He questioned the rationale behind abandoning a project with a known cost, scope, and design, for a new expressway which, according to him, does not yet have a completed feasibility study, confirmed funding, or a clear design.

He cited an admission by the current Minister for Roads and Highways that a consultant was yet to be hired for the feasibility study.

Mr. Asenso-Boakye argued that such a decision defied logic and prudent planning, and represented a breach of Article 35(7) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates successive governments to continue projects initiated by previous administrations.

He warned that starting a new expressway would come with huge financial implications, including new compensations, environmental assessments, and procurement processes at a time when government is already struggling to fund ongoing projects across the country.

Responding to claims of cost overruns on the dualisation project, Mr. Asenso-Boakye said such issues were common in major infrastructure developments and can be addressed through proper contractual and legal means.

He stressed that variations should not be used as a pretext to discontinue a critical national project.

The MP emphasised that while he supports infrastructure development, it must be strategic, cost-effective, and guided by long-term national interests, not short-term political gains.

He urged the government to reconsider its decision and focus on completing the existing dualisation project to ensure value for money and continuity in national development.

“Ghana deserves better. Our people deserve better. Let us stay the course, not start over for political showmanship,” he stated.

By: Jacob Aggrey