The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza has assured the Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, about the government’s commitment to completing the ongoing facelift of the existing Accra-Kumasi highway.
According to him, the project remains a priority for the government.
He said this while briefing Otumfuo about the essence of the proposed Accra-Kumasi expressway.
According to him, budgetary allocation has been made to keep the project running.
Governs explained that idea of an expressway is to provide an alternative drive route for commuters in the form of a free way and reduce travel period to two hours.
This route, he noted will not pass through communities.
“This is to give a free way where if you don’t have anything to do along the way you should be able to get to Kumasi in about two hours. We chose the alignment to also avoid communities and to make sure that we can do this within a record of time. So the idea is to build six lanes of an expressway, three lanes in, three lanes out and also to give some exit when we get to the communities that are far and very near.”
Otumfuo welcomed proposed project as positive news, particularly about plans to complete the existing dual Accra-Kumasi road as well as the proposed expressway.
“All these projects are geared towards national development,” Otumfuo said.
However, His Majesty demanded that the schedule for completion of proposed project be strictly followed for timely completion.
“Expedite works to complete it on time. If the clearance is completed on time, the main work could start in June for completion on time. You intended to complete it in 2027 but I extend it to 2028 for you. I want it completed and commissioned so that I will drive through it.”
His Majesty called for commitment from both the government and the contractor.
“I would have asked about funding if the Finance Minister were here. Is there an available fund for this? The engineers and Ministers must exhibit dedication to the project. Find the right the contractor to do a sustainable project for us.”
Source:
opemsuo.com