J.H. Mensah Slams Government Critics

Space FM, Bui, Aug. 24- Former Senior Minister, Hon J.H, Mensah, has taken a swipe at those who critise president J.A. Kufour for his frequent trips abroad, saying one of his visits to China four years ago, has resulted into the construction of the 622 million dollar Bui Hydro-Electric Dam.

The project which is expected to generate 400 megawatts on completion in 2012, would also give direct employment to 2,900 Ghanaians during the construction phase.

"If the president had stayed at home and eaten banku and green leaves, would Ghanaians have had the Bui Dam?", he asked the gathering.

Hon. J.H. Mensah was speaking during the sod cutting ceremony by the president to commence work on the Bui Dam at Banda Ahenkro in the Brong-Ahafo region.

He noted that those who complain about the president's trips abroad are of little minds and imagination and urged Ghanaians to support the government in transforming the nation.

Hon. J.H. Mensah said the construction of the dam,which has been on the drawing board since the 1920's, needed a visionary president like J.A. Kufour to the bring project to life adding that the project is also in fulfilment of a promise the government made to the nation.

"Its now nearly seven years ago that his excellency came to the Brong-Ahafo region and he promised that if the people gave him power, the 90- year old dream of the Bui Dam would be realised", he recalled.

Apart from hydropower generation, the project has irrigation, fisheries and tourism components and the construction of a nucleus of a metropolis to be called Bui City that is expected to provide impetus to the economic and social transformation of the area.