The Government of Ghana has invested GH¢4.12 billion into road infrastructure development projects in the Bono Region. This significant investment covers about 252 kilometres of road infrastructure, including several ongoing construction projects. The projects include the construction of the Jinijini-Sampa, Wenchi-Nsawkaw-Debibi-Sampa, and the Berekum-Seikwa Road project, as well as the Sunyani Outer Ring Road project.
The disclosure was made by Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), at the fourth edition of the Bono Regional chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards in Sunyani. The event, themed “Ethics, integrity and impactful journalism: Essential ingredients for societal transformation,” recognised nine deserving media practitioners and journalists for their outstanding work.
According to Mr Nketiah, the huge investments in the road sector in Bono are based on the region's strong agricultural base. Improved roads will reduce the cost of transporting farm produce to markets, enabling farmers to retain more of the value of their produce. This, in turn, will make it easier for businesses to establish operations outside major cities and connect previously difficult-to-reach communities to wider economic opportunities.
Mr Nketiah commended President John Dramani Mahama for his efforts in infrastructure development in the country. He praised the President for inspecting projects, asking questions about their progress, and putting pressure on those responsible for their delivery. Mr Nketiah emphasised the importance of this approach in ensuring timely project completion.
However, Mr Nketiah expressed concern that the nation has lost considerable time over the years due to delays in project implementation. He noted that when a road expected to take three years to complete takes eight or 10 years, the consequences go beyond the contractor and the responsible ministry. The delays affect farmers, traders, and businesses that could have benefited from the completed projects.
The NDC National Chairman urged successive governments to learn to respond to national challenges with greater urgency. He emphasised that critical sectors like electricity, water, education, and healthcare require prompt attention. Mr Nketiah warned that the country cannot continue to move from crisis to recovery only to find itself repairing the economy again after a few years.
Mr Nketiah stressed that economic discipline remains an integral part of national development. He expressed worry that ordinary citizens ultimately bear the consequences of economic indiscipline. The government's investment in road infrastructure development in the Bono Region is a step towards addressing these challenges and promoting economic growth.
Key points
- Government of Ghana invests GH¢4.12 billion in road infrastructure development projects in Bono Region.
- The projects cover 252 kilometres of road infrastructure, including several ongoing construction projects.
- Improved roads will reduce the cost of transporting farm produce to markets, enabling farmers to retain more of the value of their produce.
