By Enock Akonnor (Managing Editor) enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
A fierce political storm has erupted after Bantama MP, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, accused the government of deliberately sidelining facts and common sense in its sudden push for a new Accra–Kumasi Expressway despite an ongoing highway project on the same corridor already being 64% complete.
In a strongly worded statement, Asenso-Boakye said the Finance Minister’s recent announcement of a 200-kilometre, three-lane expressway was “misleading, reckless, and devoid of planning discipline,” arguing that no feasibility study, design, cost estimate, or funding exists to justify the project.
“Why would any responsible government abandon a nearly completed national highway only to restart an entirely new one with no feasibility, no design, and no funding?” he demanded.
The Bantama MP said the government is trying to “spin propaganda” by portraying him as anti-development, while ignoring the reality that a fully financed dual-carriageway between Accra and Kumasi is already far advanced and would deliver the same functional result as the proposed expressway for a fraction of the cost.
Strategic Route Already Built — So Why Start from Zero?
Asenso-Boakye questioned why government would dump a project that forms the backbone of Ghana’s long-term spatial development plan.
The current highway passes through major economic towns; Nsawam, Suhum, Koforidua, Kyebi, Anyinam, Nkawkaw, Konongo, Ejisu and links to development initiatives such as the proposed Afram River bridge aimed at transforming the Afram Plains into a national food basket.
“This corridor is strategic. It wasn’t chosen by accident. So why walk away from 64% progress?” he pressed.
“Announcing Timelines Without a Plan Is Dangerous”
The former Housing Minister said it was “alarming” that the Finance Minister announced start and completion dates for the expressway without satisfying even the most basic infrastructure requirements feasibility, final design, costing, procurement steps, or confirmed financing.
“This raises serious questions about credibility and responsible use of public resources,” he warned.
Not Opposition- “Just National Sense”
Asenso-Boakye rejected attempts to frame his critique as partisan obstruction, calling it a defence of fiscal discipline and continuity in governance.
“This is not politics. This is about protecting the public purse,” he insisted.
The MP’s remarks have intensified pressure on government to explain why it is shifting direction on one of Ghana’s biggest infrastructure priorities at a time of tight national finances.
The government has not yet issued a direct response, but observers say the questions raised are too substantial to ignore.
Source; www.leakyGhana.com
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
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