PRESIDENT John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to ensuring that no vital development project is left abandoned under his leadership.
To this effect, he has directed that even incomplete projects initiated under the previous administration, such as the Tema Motorway extension to Central University, be carried forward under his government’s “Big Push” infrastructure programme.
Addressing concerns raised in Parliament, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza, clarified that the so-called “Phase Two” of the motorway project is not under any existing contract and was not even formally initiated by the previous NPP administration. Yet, in line with President Mahama’s directive, the project has been absorbed into the Big Push framework for execution.
The Minister in his criticism of certain contractors, he cited DHM, a firm that was awarded a major contract despite lacking the requisite construction experience at the time.
He explained that “DHM was a management company, not a construction firm. They only bought a construction company recently. That explains why they’re struggling with phase one.”
Hon. Agbodza who was emphatic, indicates that, “President Mahama has made it clear, we’re not abandoning any critical national project. If a contractor misuses public funds or fails to deliver, we will take action. No contractor, local or foreign, can breach our laws and go scot-free.”
He referenced a $30 million project in the North allegedly mishandled by an Indian contractor, vowing to retrieve the funds or ensure the road is completed to value.
The Minister further stressed that the Big Push is not just about interchanges in urban areas. It is a strategic plan to enhance regional connectivity and rural access, especially in over 160 agriculturally driven but road-deprived districts. “We can’t continue spending 70% of our road budget in a few cities while food-producing areas suffer,” he emphasized.
Even stalled projects like the Suame Interchange, which faced financial setbacks under the NPP, are being revived under the Big Push. “President Mahama says take it on, and we will,” the Minister assured.
In addition, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza described the Big Push as a forward-looking, economically strategic, and equity-driven plan; one that reflects President Mahama’s resolve to deliver inclusive infrastructure development beyond politics.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
