By Charles Tawiah
Kotokuom (Ash) Aug 27, GNA – The government will continue to collaborate and work closely with the people to address infrastructure and development challenges facing community members.
Mr. Alhassan Suhuyini, Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, who stated this, said responsible government-community partnerships were useful tools for finding permanent solutions to challenges confronting the people, especially in rural communities.
He said this prevented fear and anxiety from people, created and restored hope as well as confidence in leadership, while addressing the direct concerns of the citizenry.
Mr. Suhuyini was addressing the chiefs and people of Kotokuom, near Nyinahin in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti region, during the commissioning of the reconstructed bridge over river Offin in the community.
He encouraged the people to continue to hold governments accountable in the provision of social amenities, attention and opportunities.
The Deputy Minister pointed out that the NDC government had promised to be a listening government and was ever ready to serve as was expected by the people.
He emphasized that the provision of bridges and roads were beyond just unveiling of infrastructural projects, since they represented a restoration of safety, renewal of hope and a fulfilment of a governmental promise to its people.
The reconstructed bridge replaced an old one, which was constructed in 1957 and became weak and risky to commuters especially, farmers and traders, who found it difficult to transport their farm produce and wares to other communities such as Anyinamso, Nyinahin, Nkawie and Kumasi markets.
After several appeals to government and other stakeholders through social media and other platforms, the old deplorable bridge got the attention of authorities, and the construction of a new one began.
Mr. Ibrahim Issahak, District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, urged the residents to take ownership of the bridge and ensure that it was protected from unwarranted acts that could damage it.
He noted that, the reconstructed bridge would connect Kotokuom and other surrounding communities, promote economic activities and open new doors for the people living beyond the river.
Nana Kofi Fofie, Okomfo Panin of the town, thanked the government for the project and its pledge to complete other ongoing ones for the people in the area.
He appealed for the completion of a police station the previous government had started since it would help reduce the crime rate in the area.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Kenneth Odeng Adade