Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has directed the regional offices of the Department of Feeder Roads, the Department of Urban Roads and the Ghana Highway Authority to submit detailed reports on contractors handling road projects across the Ashanti Region, as part of efforts to identify and terminate contracts awarded to non-performing firms.
The directive was issued during a meeting of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) with heads of government institutions in Kumasi, where the Regional Minister received updates on the progress of ongoing government projects and operational challenges facing various agencies.
Dr. Amoakohene said the reports should identify projects that have stalled because of funding constraints, contractors who have abandoned sites, and those whose contracts should be terminated.
“I have requested reports from the various road agencies. Write formally to us, indicating those you are recommending for termination, those stalled because of funding and any other challenges. Provide the details so that I can formally engage the sector minister for the necessary intervention,” he said.
The Regional Minister stressed that contractors who have returned to project sites must be closely monitored to ensure they meet agreed monthly work targets and project deadlines.
He cited the Suame Interchange project, including its three flyovers, which is expected to be completed by October this year, and urged the road agencies to promptly report any delays before deadlines are missed.
“We are already in July, and there are only a few months left. If there are challenges or contractors are falling behind schedule, let us know early instead of waiting until the deadline before new excuses emerge,” he stated.
Dr. Amoakohene also expressed concern over delays on the Maame–Krobo road project, saying he had received numerous complaints from residents and local authorities. He instructed officials to formally report any contractor failing to meet contractual obligations so appropriate action could be taken.
While criticising contractors who abandon projects, the Regional Minister praised a Ghanaian contractor for demonstrating efficiency and professionalism, describing the performance as evidence that local contractors are capable of delivering quality infrastructure projects.
“It is proving that Ghanaians can manage their own affairs. He is making us proud and giving us more reason to engage more local contractors on government projects,” he said.
Beyond road infrastructure, Dr. Amoakohene commended officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other agencies for their response to recent fire outbreaks and flood prevention efforts, noting that drainage desilting had significantly reduced flooding in parts of Kumasi during this year’s rainy season.
He, however, called for intensified enforcement against illegal structures obstructing waterways and drainage channels.
The Minister directed metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies to demolish all structures already marked for removal, particularly around flood-prone areas, saying the government would not tolerate illegal developments that endanger public safety.
“Every structure that has been marked for demolition must come down. It is better to protect the larger public than allow the interests of a few individuals to put lives and property at risk,” he said.
Responding to concerns that some of the structures had existed for several years, Dr. Amoakohene said the government’s “reset agenda” required authorities to correct long-standing illegalities regardless of how long they had persisted.
He announced that the Regional Coordinating Council would continue holding periodic meetings with heads of government institutions to review progress, monitor project implementation and address emerging challenges across the region.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
