The Member of Parliament for Bantama, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, has vehemently refuted claims that he dismissed the development needs of Northern Ghana during his recent contribution to the 2025 Mid-Year Budget debate in Parliament.
In a strongly worded statement issued over the weekend, the former Roads and Highways Minister labeled the allegations as “deliberate distortions” of his remarks, designed to score cheap political points.
“I have never, and will never, suggest that any part of Ghana, including the North, does not deserve development,” Asenso-Boakye stated. “As a proud Ghanaian who believes in inclusive national progress, I fully support equitable infrastructure investment across all regions.”
According to the MP, his original comments were rooted in sound development logic. He had questioned the regional balance of the government’s “Big Push Programme” on roads, arguing that Greater Accra and Ashanti—together comprising over 35% of Ghana’s population—are being overlooked despite their economic significance.
“My remarks were focused on the need to prioritize scarce resources toward areas that drive national growth and attract investment,” he explained. “It was about economic strategy, not regional bias.”
Asenso-Boakye also addressed the controversy surrounding his remark about “driving for over 50 miles without seeing a human being,” which he said was misquoted and stripped of its context.
“Instead of engaging the substance of my submission, critics chose to twist my words for political expediency,” he lamented.
The MP further reminded the public of his track record in promoting development in the North, citing road projects he initiated during his ministerial tenure. He reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive growth while insisting on the importance of strategic, evidence-based infrastructure planning.
“I will not be distracted or discouraged by distortions and mischief,” he declared. “Ghana deserves honest, mature, and informed debate.”
As the budget debate continues to stir heated exchanges across the political divide, Asenso-Boakye’s clarification adds to the growing calls for a more fact-based and less partisan national conversation.
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.
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