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President Akufo-Addo commissions School Junction to Motorway road project
On Monday, August 26, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo commissioned the highly anticipated School Junction to Motorway Road, a vital infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth in Accra and beyond.
The event marked a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the nation’s infrastructure and create a modern, interconnected, and prosperous Ghana.
The newly commissioned road spans six kilometers, linking School Junction through Borteyman to the Motorway, and connecting communities such as Adjiringanor, Adenta, Dodowa, and various Tema communities. This strategic connection is expected to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance economic growth, and create new opportunities for businesses and communities along the route.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of robust infrastructure as a foundation for sustainable development. “When I assumed office in January 2017, I did so with a resolute pledge to transform the infrastructure of our nation,” he stated. “Roads are the arteries through which the lifeblood of our economy flows. Today, as we unveil this essential road, we are reminded that our words were not mere rhetoric but a call to action.”
President Akufo-Addo underscored the significance of the project as more than just a transportation initiative. “The School Junction to Motorway Road serves as a crucial artery for the eastern part of Accra, linking communities and promoting the flourishing of businesses,” he said.
He noted that “It is about bridging communities, enhancing economic growth, and creating new opportunities for prosperity.”
The president also took the opportunity to highlight his government’s achievements in the infrastructure sector, noting that the project was a testament to his administration’s vision for a modern Ghana, indicating that “Under my administration, we have added an unprecedented twelve thousand, eight hundred and thirty kilometers to the national road network,” he announced. “In the Greater Accra Region alone, we have completed road projects totaling one thousand, six hundred and sixty-seven kilometers.”
President Akufo-Addo commended the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Department of Urban Roads, and the contractors for their dedication to bringing the project to fruition. “Let it be known: the progress we are witnessing now is not the product of chance, but the result of deliberate, focused leadership and the collective effort of dedicated professionals,” he remarked.
The president also detailed a series of completed road projects in the Greater Accra Region during his tenure, including the construction of interchanges, asphalt overlays of major streets and corridors, and the rehabilitation and upgrading of various roads. These projects have significantly boosted connectivity and eased traffic congestion in the region, contributing to the overall socio-economic development of Greater Accra.
Looking ahead, President Akufo-Addo outlined several ongoing landmark projects, including the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange Project, Ofankor–Nsawam Road Project, Tema Motorway Expansion Project, and others. He reassured Ghanaians that these projects, although temporarily halted due to the debt exchange program, would soon resume as negotiations had been successfully concluded.
“These were difficult but necessary decisions made in the national interest to safeguard our economic future.The completion of these projects remains crucial to our country’s socio-economic development,” he said.
As he concluded his speech, President Akufo-Addo called on all Ghanaians to take pride in the newly commissioned road and to work together to maintain and preserve it.
According to him, “This road is a collective achievement for our nation, and we must treat it as such – an asset that we must protect with utmost care to ensure its longevity. Let us ensure that this road fulfills its purpose for many generations to come.”
The president ended his address with a call for continued support from the Ghanaian people as the country moves forward on its transformative journey.
“In a few months, we will, once again, stand before you, seeking your mandate to continue this transformative journey.Let the success of this project serve as a reminder of what we can accomplish together when you place your trust in us,” he said.
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Suicide cases high among JHS/SHS students: MHA calls for immediate action to curb menace
The Mental Health Authority (MHA) is calling for immediate solutions to address the alarming prevalence of suicide cases among Junior and Senior High School students.
According to the Authority, it was crucial to pay attention to such children as studies in Ghana are showing a high prevalence of suicidal behaviours among students.
This came to light at a symposium in Accra on Tuesday to mark the World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD).
It was held on the theme “Changing the narrative on suicide with a call to action; start the conversation.”
Speaking at the symposium, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Authority, Professor Pinaman Appau said alarmingly, the prevalence has been reported to be higher among Junior High School students compared to those in the Senior High School.
She said various studies including a 2023 edition conducted by Azazu and Joe found that there was prevalence of 20.4 per cent of suicidal thoughts, 23.4 per cent for suicidal planning, and 28.4 per cent for actual suicide attempts among these groups of school children.
She mentioned bullying, abuse especially physical and sexual, neglect, substance use, family poverty, adolescent conflict with parents, corporal punishment and poor academic performance as causes leading to suicidal thoughts.
Again, factors including previous attempts, mental illness, gambling, financial and job crisis, chronic illness and pain, criminal or legal and impulsive behaviour can also lead to suicide.
Prof Appau said the challenges faced with addressing suicide issues were multifaceted and complex, adding that people grapple with stigma surrounding mental health issues, limited access to mental health services and a lack of general awareness of suicide prevention strategies.
She said the challenges were further compounded by deepening socio-economic challenges in societies such as the harsh reality of economic hardship, unemployment and social instability.
Dr Appau mentioned that the rippling effect of suicide leaves behind a trail of grief, guilt, and unanswered questions, saying, the economic cost of suicide attempts in terms of health care expenses and loss of productivity places additional burden on the country’s strained resources.
She said a total of 81 persons have committed suicide in 2024 with 543 attempts across the country, adding that the figure indicates an alarming increase compared to the 594 attempts and 48 completed cases recorded in 2023.
Regionally, Greater Accra, Eastern and Central regions recorded the highest numbers of suicide attempts for the first half of the year 2024, with most completed suicides occurring in the Greater Accra region.
Prof Appau has therefore called for a concerted effort to resolve and change the narrative by engaging stakeholders including security and media personnel, to create nationwide awareness and education through various media platforms.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
News
Oguaa indigenes urged to unite to develop area
Photo Credit: myjoyonline.com
Rich Akan traditions of Fantes and Asantes were the highlights of the celebrations of this year’s Fetu Afahye of the chiefs and people of Oguaa Traditional Area (Cape Coast) which was climaxed last Saturday with a durbar.
Beyond the glitz and splendour was the showcasing of different forms of traditional regalia amidst rich cultural displays of unique Fante and Asante ensembles, both demonstrating distinct Ghanaian identities in unanimity.
Tekua, a Fante traditional hairstyle won by a generation of Fante women caught the attention of a number of the celebrants.
The attendance of Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, took the joy and excitement a notch higher with frenzied atmosphere to welcome him.
The Asantehene who attended the programme by a special invitation from the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area was accompanied by a large retinue of chiefs from Asanteman.
The Fetu Afahye is a cultural celebration by the people of Oguaa, drawing both locals and visitors from across the country and beyond.
It was held to mark a bumper harvest season and to thank the 77 deities of the Oguaa Traditional Area.
This year’s edition marks the 60th to be held after its suspension.
It also marked the 25th anniversary commemoration of the enthronement of Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II as the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area.
There was display of rich traditional dances by the various Asafo companies from the Mfantsipim School junction to the Jubilee Park for the durbar.
This year’s event attracted political figures such as Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who doubles as the Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and his running mate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh and other leading figures of the party.
The Vice Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and other leading members of the NDC also attended the event.
From David O. Yarboi-Tetteh, Cape Coast
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