Audio By Carbonatix
Former Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has stated his support for the construction of an Accra–Kumasi Expressway but cautioned against rushing the project without adequate preparation and due diligence.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, the Member of Parliament for Bantama said no serious policymaker would oppose a modern expressway linking Ghana’s two largest cities, describing the corridor as critical to economic growth, trade, and national integration.
“Let me be unequivocal: I am not opposed to an Accra–Kumasi Expressway,” he said. “The corridor is vital to our economy, trade, and national integration.”
However, the Bantama MP raised concerns about the potential neglect of the existing Accra–Kumasi Highway, which he noted is already about 64 per cent complete.
In this context, he welcomed assurances from President John Dramani Mahama that the ongoing highway project would not be abandoned.
“I welcome and acknowledge the assurance by His Excellency the President that the ongoing highway project will not be abandoned and will be completed alongside the proposed expressway development,” he stated.
Asenso-Boakye stressed that Parliament has a responsibility to ensure that projects of such scale are executed properly and not hurried through approval processes. He pointed out that key elements necessary for informed decision-making are currently absent.
“As of now, there is no completed feasibility study before Parliament, the total project cost is not yet known, the engineering design is not finalised, and the final alignment has not been determined—yet we are being asked to approve a concession agreement,” he noted.
He warned that bypassing these steps could expose the country to financial and implementation risks, insisting that caution should not be mistaken for opposition to development.
“Prudence, proper sequencing, and due diligence are not obstacles to development; they are essential safeguards for value for money and fiscal sustainability,” Asenso-Boakye said.
Reiterating his position, the former Roads Minister said he supports the broader vision of improving transport infrastructure but insists that transparency and thorough preparation must guide the process.
“We support the vision, but insist on proper preparation, transparency, and careful evaluation before final commitments are made,” he added.
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