President Mahama addressing the gathering during the tour
President John Dramani Mahama has announced a series of ambitious infrastructure and economic recovery projects aimed at transforming the Ashanti Region and boosting national development.
During his ‘Thank You Tour’ of the region on Wednesday, President Mahama reaffirmed his government’s commitment to restoring Kumasi’s urban efficiency and revitalising Ghana’s economy.
At the centre of his address was the planned Greater Kumasi Bypass, which he said will significantly reduce traffic congestion in Kumasi. The first phase of the project will begin from Ejisu and link to the Mampong-Techiman road.
“All the large articulated trucks heading to Burkina Faso and Mali will no longer pass through Kumasi. They will divert at Ejisu towards the Techiman road,” he explained.
“This will help decongest the city, promote faster travel, and restore Kumasi’s urban integrity,” he pointed out.
He further revealed plans to reconstruct roads in Tepa, Manso, and Adansi West, improving regional connectivity and infrastructure.
On the economy, President Mahama noted that the Ashanti Region has been severely affected by the recent economic crisis, especially due to the banking sector clean-up and the domestic debt exchange programme.
“The Ashanti Region is the heartbeat of Ghana’s business community. When the economy is in decline, this region suffers the most,” he said.
To reverse this trend, his administration has introduced stringent cost-cutting measures and enforced fiscal discipline since January, resulting in marked improvement in key economic indicators.
“We have seen inflation fall rapidly, and the cedi has appreciated against major international currencies. This has boosted business confidence, stabilised the market, and made port charges and levies more affordable,” he stated.
The President concluded by affirming that the economic stability achieved will support business recovery and job creation in the Ashanti Region.
President Mahama’s ‘Thank You Tour’ comes in the wake of his electoral victory, and forms part of ongoing engagement with Ghanaians across all regions.
From David Afum, Kumasi