Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged the government to reconsider its payment strategies for road contractors to curb the issue of abandoned road projects due to financial challenges.
He proposed a phased payment approach to provide contractors with consistent financial stability, enabling them to meet project deadlines effectively.
Highlighting the pivotal role of road infrastructure in Ghana’s socioeconomic development, the Asantehene emphasized the Ministry of Roads and Highways’ responsibility to prioritize the construction and rehabilitation of key road networks nationwide.
He stressed the importance of timely payments to contractors to address their ongoing grievances and ensure the quality and durability of road projects.
The Asantehene reiterated these concerns during a courtesy visit by the new Roads and Highways Minister Francis Asenso Boakye at the Manhyia Palace on Monday (18 March).
“It is not good to hold contractors up in waiting when it comes to payment. Put measures in place to deal with these incidents as you take over.”
“When I heard about your visit, I intentionally went to take a look at the Kuntenase road. I realized at a point that the road was very bad and I noticed it has been awarded to a contractor but he was not on site and I realized it is due to payment”, he furthered.
Although the King admitted not all roads in the region can be constructed by the government, he however, called for the completion of all ongoing road constructions.
His Majesty expressed confidence in Minister Asenso Boakye’s capability to deliver and urged ministry officials to extend their full support to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives
Accompanied by top officials at the ministry, Asenso Boakye conducted site inspections of various ongoing road projects in the Ashanti Region, including the Kwabre East town roads, Kenyase inner roads, and the Atafoa bridge project aimed at mitigating flooding.
The team, also assessed progress on projects such as the Asuofua, Kokoso, and Kumasi-Sunyani roads, as well as the Suame Interchange.
Minister Asenso Boakye reassured the public of the government’s commitment to completing these essential projects, alleviating challenges faced by motorists.
Reporting By Jonathan Ofori, Ashanti Region
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