Asenso-Boakye petitions Mahama to reconsider plans for new Accra-Kumasi expressway

The Member of Parliament for Bantama, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has appealed to President John Mahama to reconsider his government’s plan to construct a new six-lane expressway linking Accra and Kumasi.

The former Minister for Roads and Highways cautioned that the proposed project could undermine significant progress already made on the ongoing dualisation of the same corridor—an initiative he described as “technically sound, economically justified, and already delivering results.”

In a letter addressed to the President, Mr. Asenso-Boakye revealed that over 100 kilometres of the 240-kilometre stretch have already been dualised, with another 46 kilometres currently under construction. This includes key bypasses at Anyinam, Osino, Enyiresi, and Konongo.

“Only 94 kilometres remain to be completed,” he noted, citing records from the Ministry of Roads and Highways. “To abandon this progress now would not only be unwise but also unconstitutional,” he said, referencing Article 35(7) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates successive governments to continue development projects initiated by their predecessors.

The Bantama MP also questioned the feasibility of the proposed expressway, pointing out that the Ministry has yet to secure a consultant for a feasibility study.

“There is no final design, cost estimate, or secured funding,” he said. “Yet Your Excellency has stated publicly that construction will begin next year and be completed before your term ends, a timeline of less than three years. With my expertise and experience, I can say, without any fear of contradiction, that this timeline is not feasible.”

While acknowledging concerns raised by the current Roads Minister over alleged cost overruns in the existing project, Mr. Asenso-Boakye maintained that such challenges are common in major infrastructure works.

“Variations and cost adjustments are common in major infrastructure works,” he said. “They can be addressed within existing legal and contractual frameworks without throwing away the entire project.”

He concluded his letter by urging President Mahama to prioritise fiscal discipline and the national interest.

“This is not about partisanship,” he said. “It is about continuity, value for money, and responsible governance. I respectfully urge you to review the current course and consolidate, rather than disrupt, the gains we have made.”

Source: Adomonline.com