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Asenso Boakye slams government for abandoning the Accra-Kumasi dualisation project
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 Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President has hosted a delegation of African diaspora women who are in Ghana ahead of a planned Presidential Conferment of Citizenship ceremony.
The Director of Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko, explained in a Facebook post that the visit was a gesture of appreciation by the delegation to the Government of Ghana for its continued efforts to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral homeland.
He indicated that the ceremony, scheduled for next Monday, will officially grant Ghanaian citizenship to members of the delegation as part of the country’s broader engagement with the African diaspora.
The delegation was led by Erica Bennett, Founder of the Diaspora Africa Forum.
According to Mr Okyere Darko, her years of advocacy have played an important role in strengthening ties between Africa and people of African descent living abroad.
He noted that the group’s journey towards citizenship represents not only a legal process but also a cultural and spiritual return to their roots.
Also present at the meeting was Natalie Jackson, an attorney who is also expected to receive Ghanaian citizenship during the ceremony. She works closely with renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump.
Mr Okyere Darko emphasised that Ghana remains committed to strengthening relationships with the African diaspora and promoting unity, identity, and shared heritage among people of African descent worldwide.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana has signed a debt restructuring agreement with the Kingdom of Belgium as part of efforts to restore the country’s economic stability after the financial crisis that hit the nation in 2022 and 2023.
The Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, today disclosed that he signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Ghana.
He explained that Ghana experienced a very difficult period during the crisis, which forced the government at the time to declare a debt default.
However, he indicated that the country is now recovering and witnessing a significant economic turnaround.
According to him, stronger systems are also being put in place to ensure that Ghana does not return to such a situation again.
Dr Forson noted that the agreement with Belgium is the eighth deal Ghana has concluded with countries under the Official Creditor Committee as part of its external debt restructuring programme.
He expressed appreciation to the Government of Belgium for its support and partnership with Ghana during the process.
The Finance Minister thanked Carole van Eyll, Ambassador of Belgium to Ghana, for her role in strengthening relations between the two countries.
The agreement forms part of Ghana’s broader effort to restructure its external debts and stabilise the economy following the crisis.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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