The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has dismissed President Nana Akufo-Addo’s recent sod-cutting event for the reconstruction of the Accra-Tema Motorway as a mere “vote-buying” tactic.
Clarifying its position, the Minority Caucus emphasized that it was not against the reconstruction of the Accra-Tema Motorway, a vital road that has been central to Ghana’s infrastructure since its commissioning in 1965 by the nation’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah.
“Indeed, we support the principles behind the project and demonstrated same in the past, but will not shirk our responsibility to ensure value for money and accountability.”
Hon. Governs Agbodza, Minority Caucus Spokesperson on Infrastructure
The Caucus, however, pointed out inconsistencies in the project’s financial planning, stating that Parliament only approved $339 million in multi-year funding for the motorway’s reconstruction, not the $660 million mentioned by other sources.
The Caucus accused the government of committing the country to future spending without securing the necessary parliamentary approval.
Governs Agbodza, the Minority Caucus’s spokesperson on infrastructure, voiced skepticism about the source of funding for the project, claiming that it was not sustainable. He argued that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government had claimed that the project would be funded by the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), a fund established under former President John Mahama’s administration.
The caucus asserted, drawing parallels between the motorway project and other initiatives that have reportedly stalled due to financial constraints.
The Minority Caucus further accused the NPP government of mismanaging the GIIF, which had previously backed successful projects like the self-financing and sustainable Terminal 3 at Kotoka International Airport. They criticized the NPP for what they termed “incompetent” investments in unproductive ventures such as the proposed Skytrain and Pullman Hotel projects.
The statement also raised questions about the government’s decision to cancel an earlier contract between the Road Ministry and Morta Engils, a construction company. The Caucus demanded an explanation for the $2.5 million payment made to the company following the contract’s termination, describing the transaction as “unwholesome.”
In addition to these concerns, the Minority Caucus highlighted the government’s ongoing financial difficulties, noting that it currently owes road contractors approximately GH¢15 billion for completed and certified works.
The Minority Caucus also criticized the government for failing to fund essential services, such as paying salaries and disbursing statutory funds to District Assemblies, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
“What is the point of cutting sod for a $338-million project 3 months before you are booted out of office?” the Minority Caucus questioned, labeling the event as mere “propaganda for votes.” They expressed confidence that Ghanaians would see through the NPP’s tactics, stating, “Ghanaians will not fall for this. NPP, not again.”
President Akufo-Addo’s Defense of the Project
At the sod-cutting ceremony, President Akufo-Addo defended the importance of the motorway reconstruction, emphasizing its historical significance and ongoing relevance to Ghana’s development. He described the project as the country’s first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in road infrastructure and underscored the collaboration between the public and private sectors, backed by the GIIF.
“For nearly six decades, this motorway has been a vital artery for our nation’s development, carrying an average of forty-five thousand vehicles per day. However, the time has come to renew this legacy and ensure that it continues to serve the people of Ghana for generations to come.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
The project will be executed in three phases, covering key sections of the motorway. President Akufo-Addo also highlighted ongoing and upcoming road projects across the country, framing the motorway reconstruction as part of his administration’s broader efforts to modernize Ghana’s infrastructure.
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