Government To Maintain Nation’s Road Network -JAK

Amasaman (G/A), Dec.29, GNA- President John Agyekum Kufuor on Monday said government would make the necessary sacrifices and efforts to reconstruct, expand and maintain the nation's road network. He said the heavy investment in road construction demanded that government paid maximum attention to the maintenance of the roads to ensure maximum lifespan.
"Ghana cannot attract the needed foreign direct investment (FDI) or re-engineer business activity from our local entrepreneurs if the road network is not supportive of rapid movement of goods, services and people", he said.
President Kufuor made the pledge when he cut the sod for work to commence on the 17.6 kilometre Ofankor-Nsawam section of the main Accra-Kumasi trunk road at Amasaman in the Ga District of the Greater Accra Region.
The project, a dual-carriage-way is to be completed within 23 months, Chinese government is sponsoring the project with an interest-free loan of 230-million Yuan, equivalent to 28 million dollars or 252.2 billion cedis.
The contract sum of the project is 181 million Yuan an equivalent of 21 million dollars or 189 Billion cedis and both governments have agreed that the remaining 49 million Yuan would be spent on the dual carriageway to Nsawam and beyond.
The project, which would be undertaken by China Railway and Engineering Corporation, include the construction of a 20-metre long flyover bridge over the railway line near Ofankor in addition to pedestrian walkways, bus bays, road furniture and a maximum axle load of 13 tonnes.
President Kufuor said the ceremony marked another manifestation of the increasing support the government and Ghanaians had received from development partners.
He assured Ghanaians that government would continue with policies and programmes designed to ensure accelerated and sustainable socio-economic development of the country, adding, " we will need your support, goodwill and encouragement to continue the good work".
President Kufuor therefore, called on the Ministry of Roads and Transport to ensure that the consultants and implementing agencies closely monitor and supervise the contractors.
He said the contractors were expected to deliver to specification, standards and on schedule to avoid cost overruns for the nation to have value for money.
President Kufuor called for the co-operation of traditional authorities, land and property owners along the road for the contractors to execute their job without any hindrance.
Dr Richard Winfred Anane, Minister of Roads and Transport gave the assurance of the Ministry's determination and resolve to support the realization of the government's road sector development policies.
"Your roads sector development is crucial for the enhancement of the quality of life of our people and the reduction of poverty", he added. He said the reconstruction of the road would pass through the left side of the existing Nsawam road and not through the town.
Mr Zhang Keyuan, Chinese Ambassador in Ghana said the project would activate the socio-economic development programme of Ghana and improve on the relationship between both countries.
He said the many development projects being financed by China in the various sectors of the economy demonstrated the goodwill Chinese had for Ghanaians and pledged that the Chinese government would continue to offer more assistance to Ghana.
Mr Zhang said China was grateful to Ghana for the tremendous support in China's re-unification and development efforts of China, adding " China is a strategic development partner of Ghana for mutual, trust, support and assistance".
Nii Amasa Oseiku II, Chief of Amasaman appealed to government for the establishment of an Emergency Accident Centre in the town due to the high rate of road accidents in the area.
He said the project would mark a remarkable milestone in the annals for the area to help reduce the high rate of road accidents on that portion of the trunk road that link the country's two main cities, Accra and Kumasi.
Nii Amasa commended President Kufuor for his foresight in the reconstruction of the main artery roads in the country for an effective and efficient socio-economic development.
He warned that the traditional council would deal ruthlessly with any chief or group of people who would create problem in the area to delay the project.