News
Asenso Boakye slams government for abandoning the Accra-Kumasi dualisation project
- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-05-at-10.15.32.jpeg&description=Asenso Boakye slams government for abandoning the Accra-Kumasi dualisation project', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-05-at-10.15.32.jpeg&description=Asenso Boakye slams government for abandoning the Accra-Kumasi dualisation project', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
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
Businessman Mr. Ibrahim Mahama has denied reports linking him to a takeover bid for the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO).
His reaction follows a demonstration by members of the VALCO Labour Union today, during which some protesters alleged that Mr. Mahama was interested in acquiring the state-owned aluminium company.
In a statement issued by his Special Aide, Rafik Mahama, the businessman said he has “no such interest” and has not made any offer to acquire VALCO.
“The allegation is the latest in several vile attempts to impute the integrity of Mr. Ibrahim Mahama and subject him to needless public engagements,” the statement said.
The statement added that Mr. Mahama’s business track record speaks for itself, describing his companies as “some of the best-run operations across the African continent.”
It further noted that all of Mr. Mahama’s business interests were “legally commenced or acquired” and operate within the law a fact it said explains why his businesses have endured across seven election cycles.
“Mr. Mahama remains committed to contributing his quota to the development of Ghana by investing in business opportunities in Ghana and beyond,” the statement added.
The statement also disclosed that Mr. Mahama has instructed his lawyers to take the necessary legal action over the publication and allegations.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The leadership of Kristo Asafo has dismissed reports circulating on social media and in some media outlets that the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka will be buried on July 30, 2026, describing the claim as false.
The current head of the Kantanka family and leader of Kristo Asafo, Kwadwo Safo Akofena Kantanka, addressed the issue during a press conference in Accra today.
He said no burial date has been set and urged members of the church and the general public to disregard any unofficial announcements.
“I urge the members of Kristo Asafo and the nation to disregard any burial date out there,” Akofena said.
He further stressed that neither the leadership of the church nor the Kantanka family has made any such announcement regarding the funeral.
According to him, all official funeral arrangements will be communicated only through a formal statement from the Kantanka family when the time is due.
Akofena Safo Kantanka said the family remains united in ensuring that the final funeral rites are conducted in a manner that befits the legacy of the late Apostle.
He called on Ghanaians to remain calm and wait for the official communication from the family, warning against the spread of misinformation.
Background
Apostle Dr. Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, founder and spiritual leader of Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, passed away recently, plunging the church and the nation into mourning.
The late Apostle was widely known not only as a religious leader but also as an industrialist, inventor, and founder of the Kantanka Group of Companies, which manufactures vehicles and other machinery in Ghana.
Since his passing, there has been heightened public interest in his funeral arrangements.
It would be recalled that a faction of the siblings and family led by former MP Adwoa Safo had earlier announced a proposed burial date and arrangements.
That announcement, however, has been rejected by the current leadership of both the church and the family.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
