Member of Parliament for Suame, John Darko, has expressed frustration over the slow pace of the Suame Interchange project, alleging that the government has yet to honour interim payment certificates for works completed in 2025.

Speaking during the consideration of the Annual Audit Statements of the MMDAs in the middle sector, Mr Darko claimed that none of the interim payment certificates (IPCs) raised by the contractors this year have been paid, forcing many workers to abandon the project.

“Truthfully, the pace of work over there is so slow. Just last week, I met the contractor, and their staff told me that none of the IPCs have been honoured. So, they are there, just skeletal staff keeping things moving,” he said.

He added, “Since the government is committed to finishing the project, it is important for us to honour their IPCs because that is the only way they can work. As it stands now, none of the IPCs they raised this year have been honoured.”

The first phase of the project, which includes the main four-tier Suame Interchange estimated at £140 million, is currently only 13 per cent complete. A major obstacle has been the relocation of Ghana Water Limited’s pipelines in the area.

Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, however, revealed that the pipeline works have now been completed following a recent inspection by the Transport and Roads Minister. He said this development would allow contractors to resume construction at full pace.

“As of now, the major challenge is to get water off the city so they can do more of their pylon works and raise most of those pillars. We engaged the appropriate individuals, and they gave us four days to relay the pipes, which we have done,” he said.

Dr Amoakohene assured that with additional funding from the Finance Ministry, the project could be completed within the stipulated timeframe. “All other adjoining road projects in Suame, Bantama, and other areas are ongoing. With the support of additional funding, we should be able to get it done,” he added.

Stalled Hospital Projects

On health infrastructure, the regional minister highlighted efforts to complete major stalled projects across the Ashanti Region. He said his office is revisiting plans for the Afari Military Hospital, which was due for commissioning this year but was halted following the passing of the former Defence Minister.

He further disclosed that contractors are yet to return to the Sewua Regional Hospital site, but assured that the government is working to operationalise the facility within a year.

According to Dr Amoakohene, $48 million has been allocated from the GETFund to complete the KNUST Medical Centre, while President Mahama has committed to finishing the maternity block at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.