ASANTEHENE, OTUMFUO Osei Tutu II’s Kyiniyefuohene, Nana Akonaah Osei Bonsu, has personally embarked on repair works on some major roads in Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital to obviate road crashes.
The septuagenarian escaped death about two weeks ago after his vehicle nearly collided with an oncoming vehicle which was swerving a pothole at Suame in Kumasi.
The traditional ruler, who has just formed a foundation called ‘Can’t Wait (CW)’ on Monday, June 12, fixed potholes at Suame-Kronum Road, Suame Roundabout, Abrepo Junction, Bantama High Street and Kejetia Roundabout with cold mix asphalt to save lives and properties.
Speaking to the DAILY GUIDE, Nana Akonaah Osei Bonsu noted that the potholes on some major roads in the region have become a source of worry to motorists as traffic flow is being interrupted in those affected areas.
Citing the Suame Roundabout as an example, the chief lamented how cargo trucks and other vehicles find it difficult to meander through the potholes, leading to accidents and traffic jam.
“Since prevention is better than cure, I would not wait for a person or persons to lose their lives before I come out to help. With the little I have, I will use it to cover these death traps before disaster strikes,” the chief said.
The chief, who has spent more than GH¢50,000 on the road repair works, appealed to benevolent organisations, philanthropists and other well-meaning Ghanaians to support him to extend the project to other areas in the region.
“I do not need your money for anything but just to continue with these cause. Help me to save lives on our roads and that is what I am appealing for,” he disclosed.
Nana Osei Bonsu reminded Ghanaians not to always wait on the government to do everything when they can undertake some of these projects to promote national development.
He thanked his brother, Sir Dr. Donkoh Fordjour, who doubles as Otumfuo Kantinka, for his support.
Some market women at Bantama hailed the chief for his actions and called on other traditional rulers to emulate him.
According to them, Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II needs chiefs like Nana Akonaah Osei Bonsu to move Asanteman and Ghana forward.
FROM David Afum, Kumasi