Dr Kweku Afriyie
The Western Regional Minister, Dr Kwaku Afriyie, has revealed that the rehabilitation of the rail line from Kojokrom to Tarkwa in the Western Region by the Ministry of Railways would be completed by the end of the year.
According to the Minister, an amount of GH?518 million had been allocated to the Ministry of Railways for the project and other initiatives.
He also pointed out that sufficient provision had been made in the 2017 budget for the construction and maintenance of roads in the country, including those in the Western Region, particularly the Enchi-Dadieso stretch.
The Regional Minister made the disclosure during his maiden encounter with journalists in the region to share the vision of the government for the region and seek support in the attainment of the noble objectives of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
It was on the theme, ‘Developing Western Region to Develop Ghana.”
He noted that some bad roads in the Western Region were not ideal for the movement of passengers and goods from the hinterlands to the marketing centres.
New Region
The Regional Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a new region out of the existing Western Region to promote rapid development in the area.
“The objective is not to bring division among the traditional rulers, authorities and the people in the region as perceived by section of the indigenes,” he added.
“The modalities for the creation of the new region will soon be out. I wish to ensure the chiefs and people of the region that all stakeholders connected with the exercise would be brought on board as soon as the programme takes off.”
Security
Dr Afriyie stressed that the Regional Security Council would continue to work hard to sustain peace in the region and called on the chiefs and people in the area not to engage in any acts which could create confusion in the region.
“We should all contribute our quota towards the maintenance of peace and security in the Western Region and Ghana as a whole,” he stressed.
Galamsey
The Regional minister revealed that the current government intends to develop a 5-year multi-lateral mining integrated project to improve small-scale mining.
He indicated that the move would also help protect the environment and empower Ghanaians to mine in a regulated and sustainable manner.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Sekondi