The former Minister of Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama over his recent statement that his government is committed to the dualisation of major roads nationwide.

Responding to the president’s remarks, Asenso-Boakye asserted that the concept of road dualisation was originally conceived and initiated by the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government under the leadership of former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

He further stated that a solid foundation was laid for the dualisation of several roads, specifically citing the Circle–Achimota, Nsawam, Nkawkaw, and Ejisu–Kumasi stretches.

He, however, added that these projects were abandoned by the subsequent NDC administration following the exit of President Kufuor's government.

“The deliberate dualisation of Ghana’s major road corridors—particularly the Accra-Kumasi highway—is not just a convenience; it is a strategic necessity for national development. The NPP, under President Kufuor, recognised this early and laid a solid foundation by dualising critical sections such as Circle–Achimota, Nsawam, Nkawkaw, and Ejisu–Kumasi.

“These investments significantly reduce travel time and boost economic activity. Unfortunately, during the NDC’s 8-year tenure, this transformative vision was abandoned. Projects stalled, completed roads deteriorated, and repeated calls for continuity were ignored,” Asenso-Boakye posted on Facebook on Friday, May 16, 2025.

Asenso-Boakye, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Bantama, further stated that the abandoned projects were later revived by the Akufo-Addo administration.

He claimed that the former NPP government took significant initiative in expanding road infrastructure, which led to the development of major projects such as the Pokuase Interchange and others.

Asenso-Boakye therefore, suggested that the dualisation initiative was not a new policy direction but rather a continuation of plans laid out by the former NPP administration.

“It took the return of the NPP under President Akufo-Addo to revive and expand this bold agenda. The Ofankor–Nsawam dualisation and four strategic bypasses—Anyinam, Osino, Enyiresi, and Konongo—were launched to decongest towns, enhance safety, and improve the free movement of goods and people. The Pokuase Interchange—Ghana’s first 4-tier interchange—stands as further proof of our commitment to modern infrastructure,” he added.

He has called on the current government to acknowledge the vision and contributions of the previous NPP administration, reinforcing the importance of completing ongoing projects to ensure continuity and sustainable development.

“Today, while we welcome President Mahama’s renewed interest under his ‘Big Push’ initiative, we must be truthful about the history: it was the NPP that saw the future, laid the groundwork, and stayed the course—even under the harsh fiscal conditions following the COVID-19 pandemic,” he stated.

“We urge the current administration to prioritise completing the ongoing bypass projects. These are not random works; they are part of a well-thought-out, long-term national strategy initiated by the NPP. Yes, we support all genuine efforts to develop Ghana. But let the record reflect: this journey began with the NPP. Let’s move forward—with truth, continuity, and results,” he added.

His comments come in response to President Mahama’s announcement of infrastructure initiatives under the Big Push programme, which includes plans to construct a new expressway between Accra and Kumasi aimed at significantly reducing travel time between the two major cities.

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