President Nana Akufo-Addo recently launched a reconstruction project for the Accra-Tema Motorway, but the opposition party, the Minority Caucus, claims it’s just a political tactic to gain votes ahead of the upcoming elections. They argue that the project is being used to distract from the government’s financial troubles and unpaid debts.
While the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the main opposition party, supports the idea of improving the motorway, they believe the government’s handling of the project lacks transparency. The NDC clarified that they are not against rebuilding the road but want to ensure that the funds are used wisely and that there is accountability.
The NDC pointed out that Parliament approved only $339 million for the project, not the $660 million that the government is suggesting. They emphasized that any spending beyond what was approved must first get the green light from Parliament. The opposition also questioned the funding source for the motorway. They claim that the current government, led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has mismanaged the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), which was initially set up for sustainable and profitable projects.
The Minority Caucus criticized the NPP for previously promising to use the GIIF for other projects, like the Agenda 111 housing initiative, but failing to deliver. They accused the government of wasting money on less productive ventures, such as the Skytrain and the Pullman Hotel, instead of using the funds effectively.
Adding to their concerns, the opposition highlighted that the government owes road contractors about GH₵15 billion for work that has already been completed. They also mentioned that the government is struggling to pay salaries and fund essential services like healthcare and education. “Why start a new $338 million project when you haven’t paid what you already owe?” they asked.
They argued that the timing of the sod-cutting ceremony, just a few months before the elections, makes it seem like the government is using the project to win votes. “This is just propaganda,” the Minority stated. “Ghanaians won’t fall for this again.”
During the sod-cutting event, President Akufo-Addo spoke about the historical importance of the Accra-Tema Motorway, which was first opened in 1965 by Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah. He stressed that the road has been crucial for Ghana’s development and needs an upgrade to continue serving the country well.
The President highlighted that this project is Ghana’s first public-private partnership (PPP) in road infrastructure. He explained that by combining the skills and resources of both the public and private sectors, and with backing from the GIIF, the goal is to create a sustainable future for Ghana’s infrastructure.
The reconstruction will be carried out in three phases, focusing on different sections of the motorway to ensure a comprehensive upgrade. President Akufo-Addo also mentioned other ongoing road projects, like the expansion of the Achimota-Ofankor Road into a ten-lane highway and the construction of the Dome-Kitase Road, both of which are progressing steadily.
While the government remains optimistic about these projects, the Minority continues to question their timing and financial management, urging Ghanaians to be cautious of what they see as an election-year strategy.
Source: Ghana Web
