President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has underscored his administration’s significant strides in road infrastructure development, surpassing the combined achievements of the Mills and Mahama eras.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the dualization of the Anwiankwanta-Ahenema Kokoben Road on Monday (15 July), Akufo-Addo highlighted the monumental scale of progress achieved under his leadership.
“We have completed 12,830 kilometres of roads since 2017, a stark contrast to the 4,636 kilometres achieved from 2009 to 2016,” President Akufo-Addo declared, pointing out the extensive roadworks, including asphalt overlays, new constructions, bridges, and ongoing interchange projects.
Despite these achievements, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the ongoing demand for more roads, attributing it to the substantial road deficit inherited by his administration. He urged future governments to maintain momentum and build upon the foundations laid by his administration.
“The progress made sets a high standard and serves as a blueprint for what can be achieved with dedication and strategic planning,” the president emphasized. “Successive governments must ensure sustained investment in infrastructure to address the road deficit and meet the evolving needs of our rapidly growing population.”
Under his administration, 2,079 kilometres of roads, including major upgrades and enhancements, have been completed in the Ashanti Region alone. President Akufo-Addo cited specific projects, such as the Suame Interchange and the upgrading of local roads in Kumasi, which have significantly enhanced regional connectivity and transportation.
President Akufo-Addo detailed the road projects in the Ashanti Region, listing asphalt overlays, new constructions, gravelling/re-gravelling, reconstructions, rehabilitations, and the completion of bridges at Susanso-Anloga, Kokoso-Bohyen, and the Nwabi River at Atafoa, which have further improved regional connectivity.
Specifically, the president highlighted completed projects like the 56-kilometre dual carriageway upgrade of Lake Road from the Coca-Cola Bottling Plant to Dompoase and feeder roads in Nyinahin. These projects have significantly benefited residents and businesses by improving transportation and connectivity.
President Akufo-Addo also mentioned ongoing projects such as the Suame Interchange, the first four-tier interchange in the Ashanti Region. The project, including overpasses at Anomagye, Magazine Road, and Abusuakuruwa, is forty percent complete. The main interchange works are underway and expected to conclude in 2025.
Concluding his address, President Akufo-Addo reiterated the critical need for sustained investment in road infrastructure to address the country’s road deficit and meet evolving population needs. He reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to delivering on promises and thanked the people of the Ashanti Region for their support and patience.
The dualization of the Anwiankwanta-Ahenema Kokoben Road, symbolizing this commitment, heralds a new era of development and prosperity for the Ashanti Region and beyond, instilling hope for a brighter future.
