In a recent address during the commissioning of the Kumasi Pipeline, PPO2 at Anwomaso in the Ashanti Region, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, shed light on significant hurdles encountered during the project’s execution.
According to the King, the original plan faced setbacks when the government opted to exclude Kumasi from the blueprint, rerouting the construction line up to Nyinahini. This decision sparked controversy, with elements within the government allegedly fueling tribal tensions and levelling false accusations.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed dismay over accusations targeting individuals involved in the project, including his son and grandson, Matthew Opoku Prempeh and Baffour Asamoah Agyei, who were accused of accepting bribes from Genser Energy. Despite estimations suggesting cost-effectiveness with Kumasi’s inclusion, opposition persisted.
The Asantehene highlighted the project’s importance in facilitating gas supply and power delivery across the nation. He questioned the government’s rationale for impeding a privately-funded initiative, particularly considering its lack of financial capacity for such ventures.
The King emphasized the necessity of the pipeline project for national development, raising concerns over the government’s resistance and stressing the significance of Kumasi’s inclusion in the undertaking.
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