$660m funding for Tema Motorway, false - Minority

Aug 27, 2024 - 14:39

Governs Agbodza is the Minority's spokesperson on Infrastructure

Accra, Ghana - The Minority in Parliament has corrected the record on the approved funds for the Accra-Tema Motorway expansion project, stating that the actual amount is $339 million, not $660 million as previously reported.

This clarification comes as President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo broke ground on the project on Monday, August 26, unveiling plans to transform the motorway into a modern 10-lane highway.

According to the Minority's spokesperson on infrastructure, Governs Agbodza, the project's commencement is shrouded in opacity, reminiscent of other controversial projects like Agenda 111 and various housing initiatives that have stalled.

The expansion aims to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance safety, and increase accessibility and efficiency along the 27.7-kilometer stretch. The project will be executed in three phases, focusing on the rehabilitation of the motorway, upgrading the George Walker Bush Highway, and improving the Nsawam Road.

Below is the full statement from the Governs Agbodza.

ACCRA-TEMA MOTORWAY PROJECT-PARLIAMENT DID NOT APPROVE $660m

1. The NDC is not against improving the Accra-Tema Motorway. Indeed, we support the principles behind the project and demonstrated same in the past. But will not shirk our responsibility to ensure value for money and accountability.

2. ⁠Parliament ONLY approved $339m Multi-Year funding for the project. We did not approve $660m. No one has the right to commit the country to future spending on the project without approval from Parliament.

3. ⁠The source of funding for the project is NOT SUSTAINABLE. The NPP is claiming the source of funds for the project is Mahama’s Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF). The NPP said the same thing about how they were going to fund the so-called Agenda 111, housing projects etc. We all know the status of Agenda 111, etc today . The NPP has collapsed the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF). Unlike the past when GIIF backed projects that are self-financing and sustainable, such as Kotoka Airport Terminal 3 etc, the NPP incompetently invested the funds in unproductive ventures like SKYTRIAIN, PULLMAN HOTEL etc.

4. In any case, why is NPP not explaining why they cancelled the contract between the Road Ministry and Morta Engils and why they paid $2.5 million towards that unwholesome contract?

5. The government currently OWES ROAD CONTRACTORS ABOUT GH¢15BILLION for works completed and certified and NOT PAID FOR.

Currently, the government cannot even fund the payment of salaries, pay Statutory Funds to District Assemblies, NHIA, GETFund, etc. What is the point of cutting sod for $338 million project 3 months before you are booted out of office? IT IS PROPAGANDA FOR VOTES . Ghanaians will not fall for this . NPP, NOT AGAIN.

Source: Lead News Online