By Isaac Arkoh
Cape Coast, Nov. 07, GNA – The Central Region alone, has had a total of 1,013.2 km of new roads out of the 12,830 km completed nationwide in eight years.
Key road developments in the region include the Assin Foso–Assin Praso Road spanning 31.2 km, the dualisation of the Kasoa–Winneba Road, over 30 km, and the Ojobi–Senya Beraku Road, covering 12.5 km.
Other significant improvements had been made in various locations such as Dunkwa, Awisem, Cape Coast and Kasoa through bitumen surfacing and asphalt overlays.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo made the revelation when he addressed stakeholders at a meeting to express gratitude to the people of the Central region for their support during his tenure.
He reassured Ghanaians that despite his impending departure from office, the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, would oversee the completion of all ongoing road infrastructure projects across the country.
President Akufo-Addo emphasised that his administration had undertaken unprecedented road development initiatives in Ghana’s history.
Drawing a comparison to the road projects completed during the Mills/Mahama era from 2009 to 2016, which amounted to 4,636 km of road and five interchanges and overpasses, President Akufo-Addo underscored the transformative impact of his government’s projects.
He stated the far-reaching impact of his administration’s projects to enhance connectivity, economic growth and improved quality of life for countless Ghanaians.
He said the national achievements encompassed asphalt overlays spanning 1,936.48 km, new constructions totalling 659.81 km, gravelling/re-gravelling activities covering 6,529.82 km, as well as reconstructions, rehabilitations, re-ceiling, surfacing, and key bridge constructions.
Stressing the importance of well-maintained local road networks in Ghana’s development, the President explained how improved travel efficiency translates into economic gains, increased productivity and boost local economies.
In the area of health, water and sanitation, President Akufo-Addo elaborated on the Agenda 111 healthcare projects underway in districts like Assin North, Assin South, Gomoa East, and Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira.
He mentioned the construction of thousands of boreholes that had provided essential water access to millions in rural communities.
The installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations across the region, he said, had enhanced security measures, with data feeding directly to the Regional Police Headquarters.
Turning to the fisheries sector, the President highlighted the extensive rehabilitation of the Elmina Fishing Port and market infrastructures, including the construction of sheds, toilets, an administration block and a fish market.
Those completed projects have significantly boosted commercial activities in the region, with young entrepreneurs benefiting from training, grants and start-up kits.
Mrs Justina Marigold Assan, Regional Minister, commended the government’s substantial infrastructural development across the region.
Giving details of the educational achievements, she noted the construction of 350 new school facilities since 2017, including the fulfilment of a presidential promise with the Philip Quaque Boys and Girls School.
Those facilities comprised 222 basic schools and 128 Senior High Schools (SHS) and Technical Schools, featuring classroom blocks, dormitories, dining halls, administration blocks, assembly halls, libraries, ICT/Science laboratories, and other essential amenities.
Since 2017, she said the government had provided significant logistical support to enhance the education sector in the region and urged all the people to support the government to deliver on its mandate.
GNA