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I’ve built more roads under my administration than Mills/Mahama combined – Akufo-Addo
The President of the Republic, Nana Akufo-Addo, has stated that his administration has constructed more roads than the combined road infrastructure achievements of the Mills/Mahama era.
He made these remarks when speaking at the sod-cutting event for the Anwiankwanta-Ahenema Kokoben Road dualization on Monday, July 15, 2024.
President Akufo-Addo at the ceremony highlighted the scale of road infrastructure under his Presidency.
He said, “We have completed 12,830 kilometres of roads since 2017, a stark contrast to the 4,636 kilometres achieved from 2009 to 2016.”
He further highlighted the extensive roadworks including asphalt overlays, new constructions, bridges, and ongoing interchange projects.
“The progress made sets a high standard and serves as a blueprint for what can be achieved with dedication and strategic planning. Successive governments must ensure sustained investment in infrastructure to address the road deficit and meet the evolving needs of our rapidly growing population,” the president said.
Nana Addo Dankwa detailed the various types of roadworks undertaken in the Ashanti Region, which include asphalt overlays, new constructions, graveling/re-graveling, reconstructions, rehabilitations, and the construction of two bridges at Susanso-Anloga and Kokoso-Bohyen.
The President also assured that contractors working on the Suame interchange project will complete the first phase by the end of 2024.
He revealed that work has also started on the main interchange project.
Against this backdrop, he assured of his government’s commitment to the timely completion of the entire project. This follows persistent complaints by motorists on the stretch.
“The Akufo-Addo government remains focused on its commitment to dualising roads in densely populated areas along our major corridors. A key initiative to demonstrate our dedication to decongesting these vital regions,” he said.
The strategic projects we’re initiating such as the dualisation of the Ofankor-Nsawam road, and the Adenta road, are not merely infrastructure projects, it’s also a confirmation of the government’s approach to solving real-life challenges.
President Akuffo-Addo added, “Government is committed to replicate such successful initiatives along other corridors of the region such as Suame Roundabout to Tafo-Pankrono…Another important project in the region is the construction of the Suame Interchange, the project is progressing steadily.”
“The overpass on the Offinso road, Anomangye-Magazine road, Abusuakurowa, as well as 15 kilometres of the road around Suame roundabout are some 40% complete. It is programmed that these overpasses will be successfully completed before the end of this year,” he said.
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
