Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia yesterday cut the sod for the construction of 441 kilometre inner city roads of Kumasi and its outskirt communities in the Ashanti Region.
The project, which is captured in the approved lots under phase 1 of the Ghana-Sinohydro Master Project Support Agreement between Ghana and China, involves the construction of two interchanges.
The sod cutting ceremony was performed at Asuoyeboa in the Kwadaso Municipality of the region, with the road project expected to be completed within 30 months.
Dr. Bawumia revealed that the project would also see to the upgrading of 100 kilometres of the road network within the Kumasi Metropolis, including Bantama, Nhyiaeso, Subin and Manhyia sub-metros.
According to him, Kwadaso Municipality, Suame Municipality, Tafo-Pankrono Municipality, Asokwa Municipality, Oforikrom Municipality, Subin, Asante-Mampong as well as Effiduasi-Asokore municipalities will all benefit from the project.
The Vice President said the move underscored government’s determination to expand and improve the country’s road infrastructure to make life comfortable for Ghanaians.
“We are delivering on our campaign promises to make life comfortable for the citizenry,” he stressed, pointing out that the project would help reduce congestions and the travel times within the Greater Kumasi area.
He said the country’s road network had witnessed a greater percentage of rehabilitation, and called on Ghanaians to continuously keep faith with the government, whilst it works to improve on all infrastructures and develop the nation in general.
Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Atta, said the scope of work include drainage works, earthworks and bituminous surfacing.
According to him, the project also involves installation of crash barriers, traffic lights, markings and others to bring about beautification and improve on safety.
It will be supervised by the Department of Urban Roads, while Messrs Sino Hydro Corporation will undertake the construction, the minister added.
By Ernest Kofi Adu