Minister chokes over cost of Rattray Park

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Peter Anerfi Mensah, has stated categorically that he does not know the actual cost of the Rattray Park constructed by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly as a recreational centre for residents.

According to him, he is yet to quantify the cost with experts in collaboration with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) that has oversight responsibility over the facility.

“I don’t know the cost of the project. I will not know until we have done the assessment before I can give concrete figures,” he remarked.

Speaking on the Ultimate Breakfast show, the minister disclosed that he also has no idea how much the park generates in terms of revenue and directed anyone with concerns about the project to go to the KMA.

Residents of Kumasi since the commissioning of the project have been demanding answers as to how much it cost the state to put up the structure but authorities, including the Mayor, Kojo Bonsu and the Regional Minister, are reluctant in giving out figures.

Whereas the Minister feigned innocence, the mayor is claiming a comprehensive report about the entire project will soon be made public.

Peter Anerfi Mensah claims he has not been briefed by the KMA as to how much has been sunk into the project which is estimated to be running into several millions of dollars.

The park was constructed to provide affordable recreational, physical and cultural opportunities for residents, with a focus on families, youth development and building healthy communities. Other features of the park include an artificial lake, a modern stage for live performances, and a wi-fi internet connectivity centre.

The 42,000 square-meter Rattray Park also has an acoustic dancing fountain- the first of its kind in Ghana. It also has a six square metre multimedia controlled fountain, children’s playground, a golf course, an open robust gym, and a cafeteria among others, and will provide wireless internet access, parking space, live matches and jazz nights.

But residents and stakeholders in the Ashanti Region want to know how much it cost government to put up the edifice.