Govt concludes negotiations to resume suspended road projects

By Daniel NONOR, Accra

Government has successfully concluded negotiations regarding some key development partner funded projects which were suspended due to the debt exchange programme.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo disclosed this when he commissioned the Borteyman School Junction road project in Accra yesterday.

“I am pleased to announce that we have successfully concluded negotiations regarding these projects, and the contractors will soon return to the sites to resume work on these critical initiatives. This is the hallmark of a government that listens, that cares, and that delivers.”

The President reiterated that the Borteyman School Junction to Motorway Road, served as a major infrastructure project designed to ease transportation and boost economic activity in the Greater Accra region.

The 6-kilometer stretch, which connects School Junction through Borteyman to the Tema Motorway, marks another milestone in the government’s broader agenda to enhance Ghana’s infrastructure network.

President Akufo-Addo emphasized the significance of the project, describing it as more than just a road but a symbol of the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises to the people of Ghana.

“This project symbolizes more than the completion of a vital infrastructural project; it embodies our strong resolve for delivery on the promises we made to the people of Ghana, ensuring that the fruits of our government’s efforts are felt by every citizen,” he said.

The President recounted his administration’s journey since assuming office in January 2017, highlighting the focus on transforming Ghana’s infrastructure to support sustainable development.

 “When I assumed office in January 2017, I did so with a firm pledge to transform the infrastructure of our nation. I was fully aware that robust infrastructure is the foundation upon which sustainable development is built. Roads, we all recognize, are the arteries through which the lifeblood of our economy flows.”

The newly commissioned road is strategically significant, linking major communities in the eastern part of Accra to the Tema Motorway and the Olympic-size stadium constructed for the 13th All African Games.

President Akufo-Addo pointed out that the road’s strategic connection is not merely about transportation but about “bridging communities, enhancing economic growth, and creating new opportunities for prosperity.”

He further explained that the road serves as a crucial artery for several communities, including Community 7, 18, 19, 23, and 24, effectively reducing traffic congestion, establishing new economic corridors, and promoting the flourishing of businesses and communities alike.

“This project reduces traffic congestion, establishes new economic corridors, and promotes the flourishing of businesses and communities alike,” the President remarked, underscoring the road’s importance.

President Akufo-Addo praised the efforts of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Department of Urban Roads, and the contractors involved in the project, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. “Let it be known that the progress we witness today is not a product of chance but the result of deliberate, focused leadership and the collective effort of dedicated professionals. The Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Department of Urban Roads, and our contractors have worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition. I commend their dedication.”

He also mentioned his  administration’s achievements in infrastructure development across the country. “Under my administration, we have added an unprecedented 12,830 kilometers to the national road network, completed six interchanges, and built 35 bridges across the country,” he noted, adding that these efforts are aimed at improving road quality, ensuring safer journeys for all commuters, and bolstering the region’s socioeconomic development.

In the Greater Accra region alone, President Akufo-Addo disclosed that his government had completed road projects totaling 1,667.30 kilometers. He listed key completed projects, including the construction of three interchanges, three bridges, and several major road reconstructions and rehabilitations.

As the 2024 general elections approach, the President used the occasion to rally support for his government, highlighting the numerous achievements under his administration. “In a few months, we will once again stand before you, seeking your mandate to continue this transformative journey. Let the success of this project, along with the numerous other achievements we have delivered, serve as a reminder of what we can accomplish together when you place your trust in us.”

He called on all stakeholders to work together to maintain and preserve the newly commissioned road. “This road is a collective achievement for our nation. We must treat it as such and ensure that we protect it with the utmost care to preserve its integrity. Designed, constructed, and supervised by Ghanaians, we can take great pride in this accomplishment,” he urged.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development as a cornerstone of national progress.

“Together, we are building an even greater and brighter Ghana. We are going forward, not backward. We are not returning to the era of stagnation and non-performance. We are moving forward with a vision of a better, more inclusive, and more prosperous Ghana.”

The Minister of Roads and Highways, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, also emphasized that the project is a testament to the Akufo-Addo administration’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure development. “This project is indeed a confirmation of the commitment of the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration to improving accessibility, reducing travel times, and fostering economic growth,”

To further reduce congestion at the School Junction intersection, the Ministry has plans to construct an overpass. “This will further ease the flow of traffic during peak hours,”  the road minister said. He also announced that the government has secured approval for additional infrastructure projects nationwide, which will bring various agencies under one authority to ensure comprehensive planning and execution. “Our commitment to maintaining and expanding the road network extends beyond this project,” the Minister affirmed.