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Asenso Boakye slams government for abandoning the Accra-Kumasi dualisation project
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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
The 29th Annual Dagaaba-Frafra Friendly Games have once again demonstrated that sports can be a powerful vehicle for cultural preservation, business networking, friendship and peaceful coexistence.
Held at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra last Saturday, the games brought together members of the two ethnic groups from across Ghana and abroad for a colourful celebration under the theme, “Unity in Diversity: The Dagaaba-Frafra Model for Peaceful Co-existence.”
The event, which has evolved from a friendly football match into a major annual gathering, featured football, volleyball, sack races, lime and spoon, tug-of-peace and a penalty shootout for senior citizens.
At the end of the competitions, the Frafra won four events, while the Dagaaba secured victories in five, with the men’s soccer match ending in a draw.
The Frafra triumphed in the men’s lime and spoon, men’s sack race, women’s sack race and women’s soccer, while the Dagaaba won the women’s lime and spoon, men’s volleyball, women’s volleyball, women’s tug-of-peace and the senior citizens’ penalty shootout.
However, the games extended far beyond the sporting arena. The stadium grounds and surrounding spaces became a vibrant marketplace, with patrons enjoying and purchasing a variety of traditional foods, drinks and cultural products.
Local delicacies, including TZ, tubaani, bambara beans, pork, guinea fowl, local fowls, dog meat and kosie, were sold alongside traditional alcoholic beverages. Traditional dresses and other culturally inspired items also attracted buyers, turning the gathering into an important platform for small businesses and vendors to make sales while promoting northern Ghanaian culture.
The cultural exchange continued long after the final sporting contests, as patrons remained at the venue to eat, drink, socialise, dance and party well into the night.
In her remarks, the Guest of Honour, Dr Matilda Aberese-Ako, said the gathering represented much more than competition, describing the Dagaaba-Frafra relationship as a historic bond that had evolved into a modern sporting tradition and an instrument for peace.
MTN Ghana has been the headline sponsor for the games for the past 10 years.
By Gordon Wellu
By Gordon Wellu
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MTN Ghana has undertaken a tree-planting exercise at the Chipa Forest Reserve as part of its commitment to protecting the planet and support the restoration of degraded sections of the forest.
The activity forms part of the company’s 2026 Sustainability Month celebration held under the theme “Small Actions: Big Impact,” and its 30th anniversary celebration.
It was held in partnership with the Forestry Commission (FC) and the Rainforest Alliance with MTN Ghana supporting the restoration of approximately two hectares of degraded forest through the planting of 1,666 trees.
Due to the current dry weather conditions, 833 trees were planted during the exercise, with the remaining 833 to be planted when the rain commences.
The exercise brought together MTN employee volunteers, officials from the Forestry Commission and representatives of the Rainforest Alliance, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in driving environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the event, the Acting General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, emphasized the critical role trees play in sustaining life and protecting the environment.
“Trees are essential to human survival and healthy ecosystems. They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, regulate temperatures, protect soil, support biodiversity and provide habitats for many species. They also conserve water, reduce erosion and help communities adapt to the effects of climate change,” she said.
The District Manager of the Tema-Ada Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, Linda Ansah, welcomed MTN Ghana’s support, describing it as a valuable contribution to efforts aimed at restoring degraded sections of the reserve.
The Country Director of the Rainforest Alliance, Nicholas Jengri, also welcomed the partnership and emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.
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