President Akufo-Addo has reiterated his commitment to the development of the Ashanti Region and his determination to ensure that the region has its fair share of the national cake, and that his system of governance would not be based on propaganda and blindness, as others would want to portray.
According to him, he had not relented in his quest to develop the Ashanti Region when it comes to infrastructure.
The President gave the assurance in Kumasi yesterday, when he called on the Asantehene at Manhyia Palace, as part of his four days familiarisation tour of the region to acquaint himself with progress of work on projects initiated by his government.
According to him, people claimed he had done nothing in the Ashanti Region, but he could boast of 300 kilometres asphalted roads, with Kumasi alone enjoying 100km, besides 32 hospitals and health facilities.
He stressed that his government was not like those who want to come and govern the country based on their lies and propaganda. He stated that the government was determined to end the infamous galamsey (illegal mining) menace, and called for the support of the citizenry and every stakeholder to win the fight.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, commended the President for his commitment to the development of the region, and assured him of his support. He urged Nananom (chiefs) to support the government in championing the developmental course of the region.
The Asantehene stated that he had been following the performance of the government and expressed the hope the commissioning and sod cutting of initiated projects in the region would enable people there to appreciate what it had done.
President Akufo-Addo is meanwhile expected to inspect and cut the sod of major projects, including the Agenda 111, as well as commission the 30kv Kumasi-Bolgatanga Transmission line funded by Agence Française de Développement(AfD).
Yesterday, after worshipping at the St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church and calling on the Asantehene and the Asantehemaa at Manhyia Palace, the President inspected the Boankra Inland Port Project, which is being executed by the Ashanti Ports Services Limited (APSL) and expected to be completed in two years.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of APSL, Mr. Isaac Afum, said the Project comprised a Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)terminal which would facilitate the exportation of cocoa from the Ashanti Region to other neighbouring countries.
He stressed that COCOBOD and Tema Oil Refinery would get their terminals within the Port and ensure that cocoa from the Ashanti Region was easily exported to the neighbouring countries.
Mr.Afum expressed the hope that the proposed railway line would be constructed on time for the smooth operation of the Port, and hoped the railway project would not hinder the operation of the Inland Port.
Mr.Afum has assured that over 7000 workers would be employed oncompletion and that it would create other informal job opportunities to others within the region and beyond.
Today, the President would among others, commission Residential Accommodation for Appeals Court Judges, ECG KATH 33/11kv Primary Sub-Station Constructed under the EDSREP Project and the Toase Magistrate Court in the Atwima Nwabiagya district.
President Akufo-Addo is programmed to inspect the Phase II of the Kejetia/Central Market Project and the €155 million Maternal and Children’s Block at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
The sod cutting ceremony for the much touted Suame Interchange project has been scheduled for Tuesday October 18, 2022.
It follows the approval of €135 million for the first phase of the £21 million loan facility from Spain for the Suame Interchange by Parliament last July.
The construction of the interchange would see the development of other local roads within and around the Suame-Magazine area and significantly reduce road accidents and injuries, reduce travel times band congestion as well as reduce freight transport costs.
The roads to be developed include the Offinso Road (N10) 3km Suame Roundabout- Abusuakuruwa, Western Bypass 2km Suame Roundabout-Sofoline- Interchange, Mampong Road South (N10) 1.2KM Suame Roundabout-Kejetia, Eastern Bypass 1.4km Suame Roundabout-New Tafo Road and Mampong Road North (IR4) 1.9KM Suame Roundabout- Magazine NewRoad.
The President will round off his tour of the region on Wednesday with the inspection of Agenda 111 Project which was launched 14 months ago(August 17, 2021) at Trede, in the Atwima Kwanwoma district.
He will also inspect the Santasi-Apire Road Apire, Anwiankwanta-Obuasi Road Project and the Trauma and Accident Hospital under the Agenda 111 at Obuasi.
Nana Akufo-Addo is also billed to meet MMDCE’s, NPP Regional executives, constituency chairmen, NPP founding members and Council of Elders of the party during his stay in the region.
