By Dorothy Frances Ward
Kumasi, June 13, GNA – Nana Antwi Agyei Brempong II, Atwimahene, has called on chiefs and traditional leaders to intensify their oversight role by holding government institutions and contractors accountable for uncompleted and poorly executed road projects in rural communities.
He said such a move would help accelerate development and improve the welfare of residents.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Nana Antwi Agyei Brempong II noted that as custodians of the land and representatives of their people, traditional authorities occupied a strategic position in ensuring that public infrastructure projects were executed according to approved standards and completed within stipulated timelines.
He said the influence of chiefs and their proximity to local communities placed them in a unique position to advocate for improved service delivery and accountability from duty bearers.
The Atwimahene cited the Atwima Denkyemuoso road as a typical example of an abandoned project that was posing serious health hazards to residents, as excessive dust from the deteriorated road had engulfed homes and businesses in the community.
He observed that chiefs continued to play significant roles as development partners and key stakeholders in community development initiatives.
Nana Antwi Agyei Brempong II noted that poor road networks remained a major challenge in many rural communities, affecting the transportation of agricultural produce, access to healthcare and educational facilities, and other economic activities.
According to him, some communities become virtually inaccessible during the rainy season due to deteriorated roads, leaving residents stranded and disrupting businesses.
“We must not remain silent when road projects are abandoned or executed below acceptable standards,” he stressed.
The Atwimahene said District Assemblies, Members of Parliament and relevant government agencies must engage chiefs and provide explanations whenever projects fail to meet expectations.
He advocated regular inspections and monitoring of projects by chiefs and their councils to discourage poor workmanship and ensure that contractors delivered value for money.
He stressed the need for transparency in the utilisation of public funds allocated for infrastructure development.
Nana Antwi Agyei Brempong II also called for stronger collaboration between traditional authorities and local government institutions to promote development in communities.
He expressed support for the active involvement of traditional rulers in the inspection and assessment of roads, schools, hospitals, and other public infrastructure projects.
“We are not merely custodians of culture and tradition but also advocates for community development. Through effective collaboration with local authorities and development partners, we can help ensure that infrastructure projects in our communities are properly executed,” he stated.
Nana Antwi Agyei Brempong II said chiefs who champion accountability could help bridge the gap between government promises and actual delivery by demanding regular progress reports, facilitating community participation and ensuring continuous monitoring of projects.
He said such efforts would help safeguard public resources and promote sustainable development.
GNA
Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Dorothy Frances Ward