The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has outlined an ambitious development agenda for the first quarter of 2026, signalling a decisive shift from stabilization to accelerated delivery across the region.
In his State of the Region address, the Minister said the new quarter would mark the beginning of large scale implementation of projects designed to deepen infrastructure development, stimulate economic activity, and improve the quality of life for residents.
“The first quarter of the year marks a decisive transition from stabilization to accelerated delivery. Having laid a solid foundation in the previous year, our focus now shifts firmly to implementation, expansion, and visible progress across the region.”
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene
He said the development agenda is being pursued under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, whose administration has placed the Ashanti Region at the centre of its vision to build a vibrant economic hub for the country and the wider sub region.
The Minister noted that the government’s strategy for the quarter is anchored on four key actions, namely the cutting of sod for new projects, the awarding of additional contracts, the commencement of construction on newly awarded projects, and the continuation and completion of ongoing legacy projects.
Large Scale Infrastructure Drive
A major highlight of the quarter will be the commencement of a large number of new developments across all districts in the region. Dr Amoakohene disclosed that government will cut sod for about seventy seven projects under the Ghana Education Trust Fund, alongside more than three hundred District Assemblies Common Fund projects.
These interventions, he said, have been strategically distributed to address long standing infrastructure gaps, particularly in education, health, and local development.
Road infrastructure is expected to feature prominently in the first quarter programme under the flagship Big Push initiative. The Regional Minister announced that sod will be cut for several key road projects, including the Outer Kumasi Ring Road, the Ahodwo Santasi dualisation, and the Accra Kumasi Expressway.
Other planned road projects include the Agogo Maame Krobo Road, which spans approximately one hundred and twenty four kilometres, as well as selected town roads in priority urban and peri urban areas.
Dr Amoakohene explained that these road projects are intended to improve mobility, reduce travel time, enhance road safety, and unlock economic opportunities across the Ashanti Region and beyond.
He stressed that improved road connectivity remains central to government’s broader objective of positioning the region as a commercial and logistics hub.
Fixing Legacy Challenges
Reflecting on the work done in 2025, the Regional Minister said the year was deliberately dedicated to confronting legacy challenges that had constrained development. He noted that significant effort went into addressing stalled and abandoned projects, while also securing sustainable funding for their completion under the 2026 Budget.
Among the key legacy and priority projects that have been addressed and are currently ongoing are the VAMED hospitals, Agenda 111 hospitals, the Suame Interchange, Sewua Hospital, Afari Hospital, the KNUST Medical Centre, Krofrom Market,
Kejetia Market Phase Two, the Boankra Inland Port, Phase Four of the Prempeh One International Airport, and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital maternity block. Several legacy road projects are also at various stages of completion.
Beyond long term infrastructure, Dr Amoakohene said government has also had to respond to urgent challenges through emergency and rapid response interventions.
He cited the reconstruction of the Kaase Bridge, Kotokuom Bridge, Jacobu Bridge, and the Airport Roundabout in Kumasi as critical works undertaken to protect lives and restore vital connectivity.
“In addition, several town roads were completed or advanced in areas such as Kwabre East, Offinso–Barekese Road, and Manhyia North.”
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene
Looking ahead, the Regional Minister said government has not only focused on immediate challenges but has also invested considerable time in planning and awarding new projects under the 2026 Budget framework. This, he explained, has resulted in a strong pipeline of funded projects that are now ready for execution.
He described the first quarter of 2026 as the beginning of a coordinated phase of delivery that will see plans translated into action, budgets converted into projects, and projects transformed into tangible benefits for the people of the Ashanti Region.
Dr Amoakohene reaffirmed government’s commitment to sustained development, saying the administration remains focused on delivering measurable improvements that respond to the needs of communities while laying the groundwork for long term growth and regional competitiveness.
