Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Minister for Works and Housing and Vice Chairman of the NPP Manifesto Committee, has dismissed claims that the recent commissioning of infrastructure projects is aimed at influencing voters ahead of the 2024 general elections. Instead, he emphasized that these inaugurations highlight the government’s consistent investment in national development.
Speaking on The Citiuation Room on Channel One TV, Oppong Nkrumah argued that the ongoing commissioning of projects, including energy, transportation, and educational infrastructure, underscores the government’s long-term focus on growth and progress.
Sustained Efforts in Infrastructure Development
Oppong Nkrumah clarified that the projects currently being unveiled are part of an extensive portfolio of initiatives implemented throughout the NPP administration’s tenure.
“It is not the case that these are the only schools we have built since 2017,” he explained. “In my constituency, you will see school blocks, dormitories, and more. The people have seen what has been done over the years, and now they are witnessing the outcomes as we approach the final stretch.”
He added that the government’s intention is to demonstrate a tangible track record rather than rely on short-term measures to gain public favor. “It is not about what you do in the last two or three weeks but what you have achieved over the years for the public to evaluate and make a determination.”
Major Projects Commissioned
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been commissioning significant infrastructure projects since November 19, 2024, as part of efforts to showcase the administration’s achievements in key sectors.
Energy and Transportation
- Bridge Power Project: Commissioned on November 19, this project is expected to boost Ghana’s energy production, enhancing the reliability of power supply.
- Tema-Mpakadan Railway: Set to be inaugurated soon, this railway project connects Tema to the Volta Region, creating transformative transportation and trade opportunities.
Urban Development
- Flower Pot Interchange: This urban mobility project aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve transportation within Accra.
Institutional Infrastructure
- Bank Square Headquarters: Opened on November 20, the state-of-the-art facility serves as the new command center for the Bank of Ghana’s operations, consolidating its functions and improving efficiency.
Oppong Nkrumah also noted the commissioning of 80 new schools, a milestone reflecting the administration’s commitment to educational development.
Track Record as the Key Metric
The minister maintained that these efforts speak to the government’s credibility and capacity for governance. “If your track record on infrastructure speaks well for you, the commissioning is the icing on the cake. If not, it becomes an exercise in futility,” he remarked.
He encouraged citizens to evaluate the administration based on its overall accomplishments rather than recent activities, emphasizing that the projects are part of a broader, sustained agenda for national progress.
As the 2024 elections draw closer, the government’s strategy appears to center on showcasing its tangible achievements, inviting Ghanaians to assess the impact of its leadership over the past seven years.
