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President c’ssions Suhum Interchange
The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Friday commissioned the Suhum Interchange and opened it to traffic.
The interchange, fully funded by the Government of Ghana consolidated fund, was part of the 31.7km Kwafokrom-Apedwa Junction Project.
It is one of the many projects along the Central corridor designated as National Route 6 (N 6) under the Ghana Highway Authority’s functional classification of road.
The project was executed by the Messrs China International Water and Electric Corporation (CWE) with Conptram Engineering Planning and Associates as the consultants.
The opening of the interchange which consisted of two bridges carrying a total of four lanes, with each of the bridges having 10 span reinforced concrete box grinder bridges with a total length of 250 metres, would provide safe and uninterrupted flow of traffic.
It would also facilitate trade between the northern and southern parts of the country and within the West African sub-region.
At a short ceremony to officially open the interchange to traffic, President Akufo-Addo explained that the project, which commenced in September 2008, was initially scheduled to be completed in March 2012.
However, it suffered several challenges mainly associated with payment delays, hence several suspension of the project by the contractor.
He revealed that work resumed in June 2017, on the south bound carriageway including the interchange after some negotiations and payments of arrears were made to the contractor, while the northern bound carriageway including the construction of eight footbridges along the road corridor were all repackaged with work commencing in January 2019, adding that the entire Kwafokrom to Apedwa junction project would be finally expected to be completed in April 2021.
President Akufo-Addo noted “the commissioning was evident of government’s commitment to continue with and complete successfully major infrastructural projects we have inherited from previous governments so that the expected socio-economic benefits can be enjoyed by all”.
He stated that the interchange would alleviate the plight of the general public who use the Accra to Kumasi road and afford residents the comfort of going about their normal activities without fear of being knocked down by vehicles and hence urged motorists and road users to follow the traffic and control management schemes that has been deployed on the road to ensure safety for all.
“Indeed, the improved conditions of our highways owes a collective duty on us the citizenry to be mindful of our responsibilities on the road and I urge motorists to be extra careful on our highways and also resist the temptation of overspeeding on good road sections, adding that improved roads should not be a catalyst of national development nor instruments of death and pain.
He however expressed gratitude of the workers, security agencies, contractors, and the supervising agencies, the GHA for a good work done on the project.
For his part, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Mr Kwesi Amoako-Atta said the project generated thousands of jobs to a number of local companies, adding that the government was committed to completing many road projects.
He called on motorists to be mindful of their act on the road and charged the police to undertake speed checks regularly to ensure safety on the road.
The Project Manager of CWE, Du Huglai said they were committed to completing the entire project if they receive more funding from government.
Source: Ghanaian Times
The Bunbong community in the Northern Region was filled with excitement over the weekend as residents gathered at the forecourt of the Bunbong Chief’s Palace to celebrate the annual Linujil festival.
The festival, hosted by the Chief of Bunbong, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni, brought together different tribes including Konkomba, Dagombas, Gonjas, Fulbes, and the Anufus from neighbouring communities to celebrate culture, unity, and tradition through dance, drumming, and colourful performances.
In his address, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni expressed gratitude to the people of Bunbong and surrounding communities for their continuous support. He said the Linujil festival was not only a moment of celebration but also a time to reflect on the community’s values of peace, unity, and respect.
“The Linujil festival reminds us of who we are and where we come from. It strengthens our bond as one people and encourages the younger generation to preserve our cultural heritage,” he said.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf, commended the Chief and people of Bunbong for keeping their cultural heritage alive and praised the hardworking farmers for their dedication to yam production.
Mr. Adolf further emphasised that health and education remain key pillars for building stronger communities, assuring the people that government would continue to support them in achieving their developmental goals. He also applauded Rocky Dawuni for his outstanding performance and for promoting the image of Northern Ghana on the international stage.
Mr. Angelo Yossi Dogbe, representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the people of Bunbong for using the Linujil festival to promote cultural tourism and community pride.
Mrs. Cary Sullivan, co-producer of the event and founder of Afro Funke, described the Linujil festival as an inspiring cultural experience that reflects the heart of Ghana’s creative energy.
A major highlight of the event was an electric live performance by Ghanaian music star and son of the land, Rocky Dawuni, whose vibrant show captivated the audience. He was joined on stage by Alidu Mohammed of Playing for Change fame, adding even more excitement to the night.
By Geoffrey Buta, Bunbong
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A new policy from the Ministry of Education (MoE) about the compulsory use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction in basic schools has stirred controversy among the populace, especially parents.
The announcement, made last month by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, aims to improve foundational learning and preserve Ghana’s rich linguistic heritage.
The move has been welcomed by some parents, applauding the efforts to keep the local language alive and help children learn and speak them. However, several concerns have been raised in opposition, forcing the ministry to clarify certain parts that seemed not to have been understood.
While some welcomed the move, citing better comprehension and cultural connection for young learners, others raised concerns about its practicality in diverse classrooms.
In a swift reaction, the MoE, through its Deputy Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, clarified that the new directive issued by the sector minister was strictly limited to the earliest stages of basic education and does not extend across all levels.
In separate interviews conducted by The Spectator, parents remained divided on the policy and proffered diverse solutions to ensure its effectiveness.
“My daughter speaks Twi at home, so learning in Twi will help her grasp concepts faster,” said Mrs. Efia Asante, a mother of two. In her view, since her daughter already has a good grasp of the Twi language, it would be easier for her to understand the teachers.
Mrs. Rebecca Asare told The Spectator she shares the ministry’s explanation, saying that it is important to adopt measures that encourage young children to speak the native languages.
In sharp contrast, Mr. Albert Agyekum from Ablekuma commended the idea but questioned: “Can one teacher speak all the languages in a diverse classroom?”
Mr. Amoako Mark, whose child attends a school without a Ga teacher, wondered how his ward, who speaks only the Ga language, would cope under such circumstances.
Nii Amui also questioned how teachers in a class with children speaking different languages would manage if they cannot speak more than one local language.
Other parents also raised issues about regional language adaptation. Miss Eliza Vikporho argued that children naturally learn the dominant language of their environment. “If you live in the Volta Region, you learn Ewe. That’s how it has always been. Why make it compulsory?” she asked.
Still, others believe the policy could foster unity and elevate lesser-known Ghanaian languages.
By Beatrice Wonovi Kpeglah
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