The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, says the region remains grateful to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party government machinery for the resolve to improve road infrastructure in the region.
According to the Minister, even though he admits that there are more to be done in that sector, he is appreciative of the fact that road situation has hugely improved under the NPP government, adding that a total number of 1,515. 06 km road out of 6,498.75 road has been completed from 2017 to date.
The 1,515.06 road projects completed by Akufo-Addo led government since 2017, include Urban Roads, Feeder roads and Highways.
Addressing the media yesterday at the Ministry of Informations’ Press Centre, the Regional Minister explained that among the said progresses made, 509.30km was done by the Department of Urban Roads.
He further mentioned that another 317.80km completed road was done by the Ghana Highway Authority, whereas the 687.96km was under Department of Feeder Roads.
In all, 336 road contracts have been awarded since 2017, the Ashanti Regional noted.
“So with the contracts awarded since 2017 to date which some are still ongoing, 64 contracts are under DUR, 69 with GHR and 203 under DFR- summing up to 336 contracts in all. I take the opportunity to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the entire government machinery for the effort to improve the development of the region. I am optimistic that the economy of the nation shall bounce back stronger.”
Some of the interventions made on the roads include asphalt overlay, partial reconstructions, rehabilitation, resealing amongst others.
Mr. Osei-Mensah, admitted that the government has not been able to bridge the gap between the regional expectation for infrastructure development and actual delivery, “I am of strongest conviction that the NPP government has not performed badly in terms of provision of development facilities in the Ashanti region.”
He continued “but for the global economic crisis which has had devastating economic effect on the country, most of these projects would have been completed, thus bridging significantly the gap between actual and expected level of development”.
Again, the Minister gave accounts on several other projects in the health, education and business sectors.
He further listed with pictures a number of infrastructural projects done and ongoing in the various sectors, stating that all the projects will have positive impact on the people of the Ashanti region and whole country.
No health project has been abandoned
The Regional Minister also denied claims that some health projects in his region have been abandoned. He said rather, government previously audited all health infrastructure in the country and has mobilized contractors to go to site to complete health projects that were not completed by the erstwhile administration.
He assured that government will put in place the right measures to make sure the region get its share of health infrastructure to complement the already existing ones.
Kejetia market Phase II to ease congestion
On the redevelopment of the Kejetia Market, Mr. Osei-Mensah said the Phase II of the market project will assist solve congestion problems in the area. The delay in the construction, he explained is as a result of several setbacks suffered in moving traders to make way for the redevelopment.
However, he said the necessary engagements were done paving way for work to begin. The Regional Minister gave the assurance that the contractors are working around the clock to make sure the project is completed according to schedule.
