CHIEF EXECUTIVE Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Joseph Boahen Aidoo, has assured residents in Bia West, Juaboso, and Bia East of government’s commitment to completing the Benchema-Adjoafua road.
Joseph Boahen Aidoo said the US$43 million cocoa road, which is being constructed by Amandi Construction, would be completed on schedule.
The 38-kilometre Benchema-Adjoafua road was started in 2019 after Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia cut the sod for its commencement.
It is a major road linking Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire at Oseikojokrom.
Though the project was previously awarded on contract in 2011 and 2014, work did not start. The contract was eventually terminated on the advice of the Cocoa Roads Audit Committee in 2017.
Works being undertaken include the upgrading to a bituminous surface, the widening of the carriageway, the construction of some new culverts, and the reconstruction of the bridge over River Bia.
Mr. Boahen Aidoo recounted how the road, which used to be a terrible one, hampered economic activities, particularly during the rainy season.
He said the current administration of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) needed to be praised for its determination to construct the road, adding “this is an example of the year of roads policy.”
“The road will definitely be completed, and the good people of Western North Region can have some relief,” he assured.
He said the road is strategically important, serving as the main conduit in the transportation of cocoa produced in the region.
He assured the chiefs and people of the area that the Western North Region would continue to remain at the heart of government policy, with well-crafted policies and programmes.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Juaboso