Ashanti Regional Minister pledges completion of stalled projects under Mahama’s ‘Big Push’

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has reaffirmed his commitment to completing all abandoned and stalled projects across the region as part of efforts to reposition Ashanti under President John Dramani Mahama’s renewed development agenda.

According to Dr. Amoakohene, the new NDC administration is determined to “reset Ghana,” and his mandate is to ensure that this vision translates into tangible progress in the Ashanti Region, the industrial and commercial heart of the country.

“I share in the President’s vision of resetting Ghana, and I am equally focused on resetting the Ashanti Region across all key sectors, infrastructure, commerce, health, education, and social development,” he stated.

Dr. Amoakohene explained that President Mahama’s government is poised to commence and complete several strategic infrastructure projects under the Big Push Initiative, a $10 billion capital investment drive aimed at stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and addressing infrastructure deficits nationwide.

Among the major projects highlighted were the Greater Kumasi Bypass and the Accra–Kumasi Expressway, both expected to ease traffic congestion, facilitate trade, and improve the free flow of goods and services across key economic corridors.

Speaking to the media, the Local Government Committee’s hearing on the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report concerning Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Amoakohene underscored the strategic importance of the Kumasi Bypass project.

“The Kumasi Bypass will not only improve vehicular flow but will also decongest the city center by diverting heavy-duty trucks away from the central business district,” he said.

He noted that businesses in Kumasi currently face multiple challenges, including checkpoints and long delays that increase operational costs.

“Goods cleared from the ports are often delayed entering Kumasi’s market, forcing traders to pass on those costs to consumers. Once the bypass is completed, these bottlenecks will be eliminated, and cargo destined for Burkina Faso and other Sahel markets will be redirected outside Kumasi. This is a major relief for the business community,” he added.

Dr. Amoakohene described the initiative as a “visionary intervention for the Garden City of West Africa,” one that will transform urban mobility and strengthen Kumasi’s position as a regional trade hub.

He revealed that all 40 districts in the Ashanti Region are earmarked to receive new modern market facilities, except the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Mamponteng, and Mampong markets, which already have major trading centers under development.

The Minister also confirmed that work on the Kejetia Phase II Market is ongoing, with renewed efforts to resolve funding and structural challenges inherited from the previous administration.

“Our objective is to expand commercial infrastructure to support small and medium enterprises while ensuring that every district has a vibrant market center to drive local economic activity,” he stated.

Providing an update on road construction and rehabilitation works, Dr. Amoakohene mentioned several key routes currently under development, including the Abuakwa enclave roads, Santasi–Ahodwo Roundabout corridor, Kenyase–Aboabo stretch, Barekese–Offinso and Adugyama roads, and ring road improvement projects within Greater Kumasi.

He clarified that the Big Push initiative operates under a separate funding framework, while other road and intercity projects are financed by the Ministry of Roads and Highways through the Road Fund and other development partners. This, he said, ensures that the regional road agenda will not suffer funding overlaps or delays.

Dr. Amoakohene reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing all critical infrastructure projects abandoned under previous administrations, including health facilities, schools, and rural electrification programs.

“Our vision is clear: no project should be left to rot because of political transitions. We are here to deliver continuity, restore efficiency, and ensure that the Ashanti Region, as Ghana’s economic anchor, receives its fair share of national development,” he emphasized.

He disclosed that under President Mahama’s direction, the Ministry will soon unveil a Regional Infrastructure Tracking Framework to monitor ongoing and legacy projects, improve accountability, and ensure timely completion.

By: Addo Dennis Adjei

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