Ashanti Regional Minister, Kofi Opoku Manu, has denied reports government is deliberately refusing to complete projects initiated by the Kufuor administration. Some residents have suggested that projects like roads, schools and markets in various parts of the region have been abandoned because it is a stronghold of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). Projects initiated by the Kufuor government such as an interchange over the Sofoline/Asokwa, the Anloga Junction Road have all been abondoned. Mills' government’s promise to reconstruct the Kumasi market which was burnt down by fire has not been fulfilled. Construction on the Sofoline/Asokwa interchange was suspended in November last year, a situation blamed on lack of funds. There are no visible signs that government is fulfilling its promise to reconstruct the Kumasi Central Market which was razed down in May 2009. Residents believe the government is deliberately neglecting the area. But Mr. Opoku Manu disagrees. He told Luv FM’s Elton John Brobbey that funding for the projects has been a major obstacle. He said all the projects were before the Finance Ministry but insisted the government had to put some projects on hold and fund priority areas. He gave the assurance that educational facilities under construction will be completed on schedule to accommodate students. Source: Joy News/Ghana