The Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, has expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress of key infrastructure projects within the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly and Effia-Kwesimintim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) in the Western Region.

During an inspection of the projects, which include road construction and the development of 50 lockable stores at the Agona Nkwanta market in Ahanta West, the Minister expressed concern over the lagging timelines.

The contractors had been given a specific timeframe to complete these projects, but with the deadline fast approaching, major part of the work remains unfinished in both municipalities.

According to the Minister, the fact that a single contractor was responsible for all ongoing projects in the area, contributes to the delay.

Mr Korsah said that the government will no longer tolerate any variations to the agreed-upon timelines. He made it clear that if the contractors fail to complete the work by the September 15 deadline, their contracts will be revoked and reassigned to more competent companies.

Despite the current setbacks, the Minister expressed optimism that the projects would be completed on time to boost the socio-economic development of the region.

Also, the Municipal Chief Executive of Ahanta West John Agyare lamented the slow pace of work. He said although the initial progress was stagnant, there has been a steady improvement.

However, he expressed frustration that his Assembly, despite being the first to break ground under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Project, is now lagging in project completion.

Mr Agyare highlighted the importance of these infrastructure developments, including schools, hospitals, and markets, and stressed that the completion of the road projects remains a top priority for the Assembly.

The ongoing projects in both municipalities are integral to the broader Ghana Secondary Cities Support Project, aimed at enhancing urban infrastructure across the country.