The previous Minister for Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Bantama, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has criticised the federal government’s choice to desert the continuing Accra-Kumasi dualisation challenge in favour of a brand new six-lane expressway.
Mr. Asenso-Boakye described the transfer as “misguided,” arguing that the present administration was shifting focus from a strategic and economically viable challenge to an undefined and unfunded one.
He stated the federal government’s choice lacked correct planning, transparency, and continuity.
Based on him, the Accra-Kumasi hall is the nation’s most crucial transport hyperlink, connecting main areas together with Ashanti, Bono East, Northern, North East, and Higher East.
He famous that Kumasi serves as a central node for vacationers heading to Bono, Savanna, Higher West, Western North, and Ahafo areas.
Mr. Asenso-Boakye revealed that the dualisation challenge, which started underneath the Kufuor administration, had seen vital progress underneath the Akufo-Addo-led authorities after being uncared for in the course of the Mills/Mahama period.
He said that over 100 kilometers of the 240km stretch had already been dualised, with a further 46 kilometers underneath energetic building at websites equivalent to Anyinam, Osino, Enyiresi, and Konongo.
He added that solely 94 kilometers remained to finish the challenge.
He questioned the rationale behind abandoning a challenge with a recognized value, scope, and design, for a brand new expressway which, based on him, doesn’t but have a accomplished feasibility research, confirmed funding, or a transparent design.
He cited an admission by the present Minister for Roads and Highways {that a} marketing consultant was but to be employed for the feasibility research.
Mr. Asenso-Boakye argued that such a choice defied logic and prudent planning, and represented a breach of Article 35(7) of the 1992 Structure, which mandates successive governments to proceed initiatives initiated by earlier administrations.
He warned that beginning a brand new expressway would include big monetary implications, together with new compensations, environmental assessments, and procurement processes at a time when authorities is already struggling to fund ongoing initiatives throughout the nation.
Responding to claims of value overruns on the dualisation challenge, Mr. Asenso-Boakye stated such points have been frequent in main infrastructure developments and could be addressed via correct contractual and authorized means.
He burdened that variations shouldn’t be used as a pretext to discontinue a vital nationwide challenge.
The MP emphasised that whereas he helps infrastructure growth, it should be strategic, cost-effective, and guided by long-term nationwide pursuits, not short-term political positive aspects.
He urged the federal government to rethink its choice and give attention to finishing the present dualisation challenge to make sure worth for cash and continuity in nationwide growth.
“Ghana deserves higher. Our individuals deserve higher. Allow us to keep the course, not begin over for political showmanship,” he said.
By: Jacob Aggrey
