The Bantama MP, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has called on President John Mahama to reconsider his administration’s recent proposal to construct a brand-new six-lane expressway between Accra and Kumasi.

The former Minister for Roads and Highways expressed concern that the new project could derail the significant progress made on the ongoing dualisation of the corridor — a project he described as “technically sound, economically justified, and already delivering results.”

In a letter addressed to the President, Mr Asenso-Boakye highlighted that over 100 kilometres of the 240-kilometre stretch between Accra and Kumasi have already been dualised, with an additional 46 kilometres currently under construction, including critical bypasses at Anyinam, Osino, Enyiresi and Konongo.

“Only 94 kilometres remain to be completed,” he noted, citing Ministry of Roads and Highways records.

“To abandon this progress now would not only be unwise but also unconstitutional,” he added, referencing Article 35(7) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates successive governments to continue development projects initiated by their predecessors.

The Bantama MP also questioned the feasibility and credibility of the proposed expressway, pointing out that the Ministry is still in the process of hiring a consultant for a feasibility study.

“There is no final design, cost estimate, or secured funding,” he observed. “Yet Your Excellency has stated publicly that construction will begin next year and be completed before your term ends — a timeline of less than three years. With my expertise and experience, I can say, without any fear of contradiction, that this timeline is not feasible.”

While acknowledging concerns raised by the current Roads Minister regarding alleged cost overruns on the existing project, Mr Asenso-Boakye argued that such issues should not be used as grounds for abandonment.

“Variations and cost adjustments are common in major infrastructure works,” he stated. “They can be addressed within existing legal and contractual frameworks without throwing away the entire project.”

Concluding his appeal, Mr Asenso-Boakye urged President Mahama to prioritise fiscal prudence and national interest over political expediency.

“This is not about partisanship,” he wrote. “It is about continuity, value for money, and responsible governance. I respectfully urge you to review the current course and consolidate, rather than disrupt, the gains we have made.”