The member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communication team Dr. Agyekum-Obeng Esq. has called on government to addressed important issues, ranging from the government’s ongoing road infrastructure development projects and also to address concerns in terms of Ghana’s advocacy on the global stage.
Dr. Agyekum-Obeng discussed the positive impact of the government’s initiatives, particularly in road construction, as well as the need for Africa to have greater representation in global decision-making bodies such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This report summarizes his comments with detailed insights into both domestic infrastructure progress and international diplomacy.
Dr. Agyekum-Obeng began by discussing a major road reconstruction project that has reached a critical phase, with parts of the newly constructed road now open to traffic.
He praised the government for the visible progress being made in this sector, emphasizing the role of improved infrastructure in facilitating the movement of goods and services and supporting economic activities.
According to him, road infrastructure plays a vital role in easing traffic congestion, reducing pollution, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the transport network.
“The nature of the road speaks to the improvements we are making in the infrastructure sector, the fact that we are seeing massive improvements to ease traffic, to reduce carbon and smoke emissions and its effect on the environment, and how it’s going to help with activities in terms of the movement of goods and services.’’
Dr. Agyekum-Obeng Esq. member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communication team
He specifically highlighted the significance of the road linking a major commercial route that serves not only Ghana but also neighboring countries.
“The road linking Accra to Kumasi is a major road, and those who come from Burkina Faso, Niger and clear their goods through Ghana use that road. So, it’s a huge commercial road, and we say kudos to the government for taking such an initiative.”
Dr. Agyekum-Obeng Esq. member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communication team
While applauding the government’s efforts, Dr. Agyekum-Obeng also issued a plea for caution among road users, especially on the sections of the road that are still under construction. He urged drivers to avoid reckless driving and speeding, noting that the safety of both drivers and pedestrians must be prioritized as the roadworks progress.
“We plead with those using the stretch of the road, [especially] that parts of the road that are yet to be completed, should please kindly bear with the contractor and those who use the road should [ensure] that we don’t over-speed or drive carelessly.”
Dr. Agyekum-Obeng Esq. member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communication team
Reducing Carbon Emissions Through Improved Infrastructure
Dr. Agyekum-Obeng emphasized the environmental benefits of the ongoing road projects. He explained how widening roads and reducing traffic congestion can have a positive impact on reducing carbon emissions. According to him, heavy traffic during peak periods contributes significantly to the release of harmful gases into the atmosphere.
“How long you transit through traffic points to how much emission you release into the atmosphere, if you check our country, the peak periods for carbon emissions from vehicles are in the mornings, during rush hours when people are going to work, and in the evenings when we close, because of the nature of our roads and the heavy vehicular traffic, we usually encounter, when you open up the roads, constructing more and wider roads means you are reducing the amount of time people spend in traffic Vis a vis how much emissions we produce to contaminate the atmosphere.”
Dr. Agyekum-Obeng Esq. member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communication team
He emphasized the importance of these infrastructure improvements in Ghana’s broader efforts to combat environmental challenges, particularly in terms of air quality and climate change.
Calls for Reform at the United Nations Security Council
Moreover, Dr. Agyekum-Obeng turned his attention to international diplomacy, particularly President Akufo-Addo’s call for reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Speaking during his last address to the UN General Assembly, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the need for an overhaul of the UNSC, describing its current structure as outdated and unrepresentative of today’s global challenges.
Dr. Agyekum-Obeng said in support of the president’s position. He pointed out the significant contributions of African nations in terms of human and natural resources and argued that Africa’s exclusion from the Security Council is a reflection of how the continent has historically been marginalized in global governance.
“It speaks to how Africa has been treated unfairly when it comes to the global bodies. We have a huge population in terms of numbers, we have huge resources in terms of natural resources and when you look at the demography of the African population, the population is very useful a youthful so in terms of work output Africa is ranked one of the highest in terms of work output.”
Dr. Agyekum-Obeng Esq. member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communication team
Africa’s Role in Global Governance
Dr. Agyekum-Obeng further elaborated on the need for greater African representation in international decision-making processes. He pointed out that in today’s interconnected world, Africa’s strategic importance cannot be ignored. African nations are valuable partners in trade, security, and development, making it essential that their voices are heard at the highest levels of global governance.
The world has grown to this level of globalization where there is a huge transfer of knowledge and work across continents We are all coexisting in one ecosystem, so Africa must get the right representation, It speaks to how much power is skewed in terms of decision-making when Africa, a continent that has evolved both in democracy and in development, is left out.
By expressed his hope that continued advocacy from African leaders would eventually lead to reforms in the UNSC, ensuring that the continent is fairly represented. He emphasized; “We might not see the effects immediately, but if we keep advocating and speaking to it, I believe reforms will be made, and Africa will have its fair representation.”
Dr. Agyekum-Obeng’s emphasis underscored the importance of both domestic and international efforts to improve infrastructure and ensure fair representation for Africa on the global stage. While applauding the government’s achievements in road construction and its environmental benefits, he also supports ongoing calls for reform at the United Nations to give Africa a stronger voice in international affairs. His remarks reflect the NPP’s commitment to progress in both areas, balancing local development with global advocacy.
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