Road projects to be continued – Osei-Mensah

Road projects started by the erstwhile John Mahama administration in the Ashanti Region will be continued by the Akufo-Addo government, Simon Osei-Mensah, Ashanti Regional Minister-designate, has assured.

Answering a question posed by Minority Chief Whip Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed when he appeared before the Appointments Committee of parliament on Tuesday, 14 February on whether the new government would continue with the road projects started by the previous government, Mr Mensah said: “I have made an indication earlier that all ongoing projects, we will look at them and continue with them. So, if there is an ongoing road project in Asawase, definitely it is inclusive.”

Explaining how he would deal with decongestion of the regional capital, Kumasi, he said: “If you are in the community and there is no work to do, definitely it will push you out of the place to go and look for a job because you have to eat. That is why this One-District-One-Factory is very important, it will open up job avenues in various districts. So if people can have something to do, definitely they will not move to Kumasi to come and do menial jobs.

"We all have to pray and support the government to ensure that this One District One Factory will be a reality in every district and then more jobs will be created. As we increase the employment generation capacities of people, you are at the same time increasing the income capacity of these people and movement will be minimised or totally curtailed.”

He further stated: “If you (the Appointments Committee) graciously approve of my nomination, I will first have several meetings with the people at the Regional Coordinating Council, I will meet my Regional Coordinating Director. After that I will have to meet the management team of the Regional Coordinating Council. I have to quickly call a REGSEC meeting to introduce myself to the Regional Security Council and I have to visit Manhyia.”