By Kamal Ahmed
Somanya (E/R), Sept. 9, GNA — Mr Thomas Ampem Nyarko, Deputy Minister of Finance, says President John Dramani Mahama’s government is committed to completing infrastructure projects after cutting sod, prioritising delivery over promises.
He made this remark at the sod-cutting ceremony for the 34-kilometre Somanya Roundabout-Dodowa Highway and selected inner roads in Somanya.
The project is expected to improve transportation and stimulate economic activity in the Eastern Region.
Addressing traditional leaders, government officials and residents, Mr Nyarko noted that the Government had demonstrated its commitment to development by increasing financial transfers to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.
Mr Nyarko, who is also the Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, said the visible pace of development under the current Yilo Krobo Municipal Chief Executive was encouraging, although he had not extensively toured the municipality.
“I can confidently say the development taking place here today is far better than what we witnessed over the last eight years,” he said.
He said the increased financial resources allocated to the Assemblies would support the construction of more schools, health facilities and other essential public services.
Mr Nyarko stated that within one and a half years, the Mahama Government had transferred more funds to Municipal Assemblies than the previous government did in about six years.
He attributed the increase to the Government’s fiscal decentralisation policy, saying effective local governance required adequate resources for Assemblies to perform their constitutional responsibilities.
“When you ask an Assembly to perform certain functions, you must give it the money it needs to execute that mandate. Funds must follow functions,” he said.
The Somanya-Dodowa Highway project forms part of the Government’s Big Push agenda to improve road infrastructure, strengthen connectivity and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services between the Eastern Region and Accra.
GNA
Editing by D.I. Laary/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Kamal Ahmed
Reporter’s email: [email protected]