Francis Asenso Boakye, the former Minister for Roads and Highways, has publicly called on President John Dramani Mahama to prioritize the completion of ongoing road bypass projects initiated by the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. He emphasizes that these projects are not isolated endeavors but rather integral components of a comprehensive, long-term national strategy designed to enhance road infrastructure throughout Ghana. This call to action follows President Mahama’s announcement that his cabinet has agreed to prioritize the dualization of major highways connecting Accra to Kumasi, Takoradi, and Aflao as part of the “Big Push” infrastructure program.
Asenso Boakye contends that the groundwork for the dualization of these critical road arteries was laid by the NPP during the presidency of John Agyekum Kufuor. He highlights specific sections of the Accra-Kumasi highway, such as Circle-Achimota, Nsawam, Nkawkaw, and Ejisu-Kumasi, that were dualized under the Kufuor administration, thereby reducing travel times and stimulating economic activity. He criticizes the subsequent National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for allegedly abandoning this initiative during its eight-year tenure, leading to project stagnation, road deterioration, and a disregard for calls to continue the dualization efforts.
The former minister credits the NPP under President Akufo-Addo with reviving and expanding the road dualization agenda. He cites the Ofankor-Nsawam dualization project and the construction of four strategic bypasses – Anyinam, Osino, Enyiresi, and Konongo – as evidence of the NPP’s commitment to decongesting towns, improving road safety, and facilitating the movement of goods and people. He further points to the Pokuase Interchange, Ghana’s first four-tier interchange, as a testament to the NPP’s focus on modern infrastructure development. He asserts that while the current administration’s renewed interest in road infrastructure is welcomed, it is essential to acknowledge the historical context, emphasizing the NPP’s pioneering role in envisioning, initiating, and sustaining these projects, even amidst challenging fiscal conditions following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Asenso Boakye urges the Mahama administration to prioritize the completion of the ongoing bypass projects, reiterating their strategic importance within the broader national road development plan initiated by the NPP. He underscores that these projects are not arbitrary undertakings but rather components of a well-conceived, long-term strategy. While expressing support for genuine efforts to develop Ghana’s infrastructure, he insists on acknowledging the NPP’s foundational role in this endeavor.
The core of Asenso Boakye’s argument rests on the assertion that the NPP has consistently championed the vision of modernizing Ghana’s road network, particularly the crucial Accra-Kumasi highway. He portrays this highway as a strategic asset for national development, the dualization of which was recognized and initiated by the NPP under President Kufuor. He accuses the subsequent NDC administration of neglecting this vital infrastructure project, leading to a period of stagnation and deterioration. He then credits the returning NPP government under President Akufo-Addo with reviving and expanding the dualization program, undertaking new projects, and constructing critical infrastructure like the Pokuase Interchange.
In essence, Asenso Boakye’s message is a call for continuity in infrastructure development, urging the current administration to build upon the foundation laid by the NPP. He stresses the importance of acknowledging the NPP’s historical contribution to this sector and continuing the momentum they established. While welcoming the current government’s renewed focus on road infrastructure, he emphasizes the need to recognize the NPP’s long-standing commitment and leadership in driving this critical aspect of national development. He frames the issue as a matter of historical accuracy and a plea for consistent, results-oriented progress in infrastructure development, urging the government to prioritize the completion of ongoing projects as part of a broader, long-term strategy.
