The Minister for Roads and Highways, Mr Kwasi Amoako-Atta, has refuted claims that the construction of Kumawu roads is a ploy to win votes in the upcoming by-election on Tuesday, May 23.
According to the Minister, the procurement for the Kumawu internal and other roads in the constituency was initiated prior to the unfortunate passing of former Member of Parliament, Mr Philip Atta Basoah.
In an interaction with the media during an inspection of the ongoing road works in Kumawu, Mr Amoako-Atta emphasized that the timing of the project was coincidental and expressed regret over Mr Basoah's demise, assuring that his name would be honoured posthumously.
The Minister clarified that the road construction was not limited to Kumawu alone but also encompassed Juaben, Effiduase, and Asokore, which are not part of the Kumawu Constituency.
He questioned the notion that the road project was solely motivated by the impending election, stating, “Are people of Juaben, Effiduase, and Asoskore part of Kumawu Constituency or are they going to take part in the selection of the next MP for Kumawu?”
Mr Amoako-Atta disclosed that the late MP had already informed the Paramount Chief about the plans for the project on two occasions while he was still alive.
He assured the residents along the Juaben-Effiduase-Asokore-Kumawu-Woraso stretch that the road construction would continue even after the by-election, urging them not to be swayed by propaganda suggesting that the project was aimed at gaining votes.
The Minister acknowledged that there was a backlog of road construction projects across Ghana and emphasized that they could not all be addressed simultaneously, urging patience from the public as the government worked to improve the nation's roads.
As part of the project, approximately 20 kilometres of internal roads in Kumawu will be asphalted to enhance the town's appearance. Other towns included in the road construction plan are Effiduase, Asokore, Woraso, and Bodomase.
Mr Amoako-Atta expressed satisfaction with the progress of the work and commended the contractor, Joshob Construction, for meeting expectations. He urged them to maintain the quality of work to ensure value for money.
The Minister acknowledged the legitimacy of citizens' demands for road construction and called on Ghanaians to voice their concerns without resorting to the destruction of public property.
