A remarkable development project, that according to him, enhances mobility, drives economic growth and improves the quality of life for all Ghanaians.

Presenting a detailed overview of the key components of this transformative project, Minister of Road and Highways, Francis Asenso Boakye, said, the third tier of the interchange features a 389-meter bridge which provides a direct link for traffic on Ring Road West across the Obetsebi Lamptey Circle and descending to the Abossey Okai traffic lights, ensuring seamless movement for commuters and effectively eliminating delays caused by cross-traffic.

He disclosed that, a newly constructed roundabout underneath the flyover facilitates ground-level access to Abossey Okai Road (Agbogbloshie Market Road), with provisions made for safe pedestrian crossings to ensure the safety of all road users.

The project has also seen a reconfiguration along the Nii-Teiko Din intersection on the Kaneshie-Mallam Road to allow right-in and right-out movements on the route.

Asenso Boakye said, a pedestrian footbridge over Ring Road West at the Awudome-Adjuma Crescent junction has been incorporated to ensure safe and efficient pedestrian movement across this busy corridor.

The longstanding flooding concerns in the area, has also been addressed by a comprehensive storm drainage system that incorporates existing drainage infrastructure including the Awudome Storm Drain, Kaneshie Drain, and Mataheko Drain.

Addressing a noticeably ecstatic gathering made up of Chiefs and people of the area, President Akufo-Addo said, “the completion of Phase II is not just an infrastructure milestone; it is a pivotal moment in our nation’s journey towards modernity and efficiency.”

The President said, the interchange will significantly enhance the flow of traffic to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, as well as along the Ring Road West, Kaneshie and Accra Central corridors.

“By reducing travel times and vehicle operating costs, it will increase productivity for businesses and transform the daily commute for thousands of Ghanaians.”

Describing it as catalyst for economic vibrancy in the capital, he noted that the interchange “will facilitate the seamless movement of goods and services, thereby reducing the cost of doing business, and attracting much-needed investments to the region.”

“It is, indeed, a cornerstone of our broader vision to establish an integrated, modern transportation network that underpins Ghana’s socio-economic transformation,” he added.

President Akufo-Addo mentioned the Pokuase Interchange-the largest of its kind in West Africa—whose completion has eased congestion and improved connectivity; the historic Tamale Interchange, the first in northern Ghana; and the Bechem-Techimantia-Akomadan road, which has unlocked vital agricultural hubs, enhancing trade and livelihoods.

Additionally, government has delivered six interchanges nationwide, with thirteen others currently underway, progressing steadily towards completion.

The project was constructed by QG Construction UK Limited and supervised by FAS Consult Limited on behalf of the Urban Roads Division of the National Roads Authority.

President Akufo-Addo was happy to note that one of the great figures of Ghana’s independence journey, Emmanuel Obetsebi Lamptey, whom he knew as Uncle Tsebi, “continues to enjoy the admiration of successive generations of Ghanaians by continuing to name this interchange after him.”

Source: Mymctvonline.com || Agyenim Boateng

According to sources, the decision was taken after a National Security meeting to assess the impact of galamsey on river bodies and the environment.

Speaking at a media engagement on Wednesday evening, September 11, following a press conference by the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor announced that President Akufo-Addo has directed the decommissioning of illegal mining equipment if necessary.

“The various Regional Security Councils have been tasked to conduct recordings and scrutiny of their various areas and begin to roll out swoops and enhance the enforcement regime. So, in the days and weeks to come, we will see the heightened and rampant enforcement.

…The Ghana Police Service at various RESECs will be the first point of call; if the need arises, we will take it a step further by including the Ghana Armed Forces, and when the need arises, we will possibly begin the extraordinary measure of decommissioning equipment used for illegal small-scale mining,” he stated.

On Wednesday, September 11, Organised Labour issued a stern warning to the government, threatening a series of demonstrations and a nationwide strike by the end of September if decisive action was not taken to address the escalating galamsey crisis.

Other groups, including religious leaders and the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, have voiced the same sentiments.

Conversations on galamsey and its dire impact arose after the management of Ghana Water Company Limited in the Central Region announced that there would be challenges with water supply in Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding communities. The company revealed that the recent demand-supply gap is due to inadequate raw water received at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant (WTP) caused by galamsey activities.

Environmental groups, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens have since voiced their frustrations over the lack of significant progress in curbing galamsey activities, which have resulted in the contamination of rivers, destruction of farmlands, and loss of livelihoods for many Ghanaians.

The programme seeks to address the deplorable state of many rural roads across the country, which hinder community connection and trade.

The President emphasized that the programme is not just about roads, but about people and their livelihoods. He urged citizens to hold their local authorities accountable and participate in community development.

The president emphasized that the DRIP programme marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to improve the road network, with over 12,800 km of roads completed since since 2017.

He added that the programme’s localized approach is expected to create jobs and ensure that every Ghanaian, regardless of location, has access to improved roads.

To support the programme, 2,240 units of earth- moving equipment, including water tankers and bulldozers, wheel loaders, skid steer loaders, motor graders, excavators, long reach, rollers, truck mounted and concrete equipment, have been deployed.

Hon. Francis Asenso Boakye, Minister for Roads and Highways, noted that the program demonstrates the government’s dedication to building a robust infrastructure that drives growth and prosperity.

He emphasized that the impact of poor roads in rural areas cannot be overstated, and this initiative ensures that no region is left behind, reflecting a holistic approach to development.

By empowering Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), the voices of rural communities are heard.

The Minister urged all stakeholders to embrace the program as a collective effort.

“Enhancing our district road network is crucial for connecting communities, facilitating trade, and ensuring access to essential services,” he stressed.

“Through DRIP-24, we aim to create safer, more efficient roads that will significantly boost local economies and improve citizens’ quality of life,” he stressed.

On his part, Hon. Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, Minister for Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, emphasized the crucial role of a well-developed road network in enabling local governments to function effectively.

He highlighted that improved roads facilitate efficient service delivery, enhanced connectivity, and promoted mobility of people and goods

“With better roads, local governments can serve their communities more effectively, ensuring resources and services reach even the most remote areas,” he noted.

However, the Minister noted that the biggest threat to the programme’s success is poor maintenance. To address this, a maintenance component has been added to the programme. He therefore urged all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to take charge and ensure the longevity of the Equipment.”

The Executive Chairman of Jospong Group Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, explained that J.A. Plant Pool -a member of the Jospong Group’s, involvement in the DRIP programme encompasses a comprehensive suite of services and sustainability of the project.

By working closely with local governments and communities, the company aims to continue to facilitate seamless project execution and long term sustainability, adding JA Plant Pool team together with the 48 Engineering Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, is dedicated to delivering quality and excellence at every stage ensuring that the equipment serves its purpose effectively and efficiently.

He acknowledged that the DRIP programme promises a remarkable increase in infrastructural development which is critical in facilitating better access to market, reduced wastage and enhance profitability of the agricultuaral activities and also creating sustainable jobs.

Mr. Zeng Guang’an, Chairman and CEO of Guanxi LiuGong Machinery Company Limited, announced the establishment of 16 service centers across the country to provide after-sales services for the project.

The programme’s success relies on a collaborative approach, ensuring efficient use of equipment and resources. By improving road networks, the government aims to enhance the quality of life for all Ghanaians, regardless of location.”

This programme aims to empower local governments to drive regional development by decentralizing road project implementation and maintenance. This approach fosters ownership and responsibility among local authorities, crucial for sustainable development.

This landmark occasion signifies the culmination of a vision that began over two decades ago during President Akufo-Addo’s tenure as Attorney-General in the government of the 2nd President of the 4th Republic, His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor.

Reflecting on the journey that led to this moment, President Akufo-Addo recalled how the vision for the Law House was conceived during his time as Attorney-General and expressed immense satisfaction in seeing it transformed into a tangible reality under his presidency. “Today is a day of great pride and accomplishment,” he declared. “This building stands as a testament to our government’s commitment to addressing the long-standing office accommodation challenges faced by the Attorney-General’s Office and the Ministry of Justice.”

The President took the opportunity to pay tribute to the current Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, whose dedication and perseverance were instrumental in bringing the project to completion. The Attorney-General assumed office in 2021 with the project barely thirty-six percent complete.

“His efforts ensured that this initiative, which could have easily ended up as another abandoned government project, was implemented to become the magnificent structure we celebrate today,” President Akufo-Addo said, extending a heartfelt “ayekoo” to the Attorney General.

Touching on the rule of law as the foundation of any thriving democracy, he said, “the rule of law ensures that no one is above the law, that the concept of equality before the law is respected, that justice is administered fairly and impartially, and that the rights and freedoms of every citizen are protected. This building is a beacon of the country’s commitment to these principles and its vision of an equitable, free, and just society.”

Throughout his tenure, President Akufo-Addo’s administration has made significant strides in strengthening the rule of law in Ghana.

The commissioning of the Law House is a key milestone in this ongoing effort. The state-of-the-art facility is expected to provide a conducive environment for the efficient administration of justice, enhancing the capacity of the Attorney-General’s Office and the Ministry of Justice to serve the people of Ghana.

President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the broader implications of this achievement. The completion of the Law House is part of a larger vision to modernize and digitize Ghana’s legal and judicial systems. The introduction of electronic filing systems, which reduce reliance on paper-based documentation and streamline judicial processes, is a major leap forward in making justice more accessible and efficient. This initiative allows lawyers and litigants to file documents online, access case information, and receive updates in real-time, enhancing transparency and accountability within the legal system.

In addition to improving judicial infrastructure, the Akufo-Addo administration has prioritized the safety and security of judges. Since assuming office in 2017, the government has constructed numerous courthouses and residential facilities for judges across the country. By February 2024, seventy-nine new courthouses had been inaugurated, with twenty-one more projects at various stages of completion. These efforts aim to address the perennial problem of insufficient court infrastructure in Ghana.

President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to the realization of the Law House project and thanked successive Attorneys-General, the architects, engineers, contractors, and workers who brought the vision to life.

The incident happened at Bunso on Sunday, May 19, while the convoy was on its way back from Kumasi, after accompanying the President to a series of events this weekend.

The driver of a Toyota Land Cruiser, Kwesi Arthur, unfortunately lost his life in the process.

“Additionally, several close protection and police officers from the President’s security detail sustained varying degrees of injuries and received initial treatment at the Suhum Government Hospital. The injured persons are currently being evacuated to the University of Ghana Medical Centre for further treatment and observation,” the May 19 statement revealed.

The press release signed by the Jubilee House Director of Communications, Eugene Arhin, added “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured officers.”

Jubilee House reiterated that it is keenly monitoring activities and will communicate details of subsequent arrangements.
Reports say the vehicle was crossed by a KIA Rhino truck, resulting in the crash.

Source: Mymctvonline.com