The Minority in Parliament has confirmed that only $339 million, was approved for the Accra-Tema Motorway expansion project not $660 million.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo initiated the project on August 26, unveiling plans to convert the motorway into a modern 10-lane highway.
Minority spokesperson on infrastructure, Governs Agbodza, criticized the project’s commencement, comparing it to other stalled government initiatives like Agenda 111.
He emphasized that Parliament had only approved a $339 million Multi-Year funding for the project, and no one has the authority to commit the country to additional spending without parliamentary approval.
The expansion project, spanning 27.7 kilometers, will be completed in three phases, the first phase involves rehabilitating the motorway, the second focuses on upgrading the George Walker Bush Highway, and the third includes improvements to Nsawam Road.
READ FULL STATEMENT BELOW
ACCRA-TEMA MOTORWAY PROJECT-PARLIAMENT DID NOT APPROVE $660m
- The NDC is not against improving the Accra-Tema Motorway. Indeed, we support the principles behind the project and demonstrated same in the past. But will not shirk our responsibility to ensure value for money and accountability.
- Parliament ONLY approved $339m Multi-Year funding for the project. We did not approve $660m. No one has the right to commit the country to future spending on the project without approval from Parliament.
- The source of funding for the project is NOT SUSTAINABLE. The NPP is claiming the source of funds for the project is Mahama’s Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF). The NPP said the same thing about how they were going to fund the so-called Agenda 111, housing projects etc. We all know the status of Agenda 111, etc today . The NPP has collapsed the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF). Unlike the past when GIIF backed projects that are self-financing and sustainable, such as Kotoka Airport Terminal 3 etc, the NPP incompetently invested the funds in unproductive ventures like SKYTRIAIN, PULLMAN HOTEL etc.
- In any case, why is NPP not explaining why they cancelled the contract between the Road Ministry and Morta Engils and why they paid $2.5 million towards that unwholesome contract?
- The government currently OWES ROAD CONTRACTORS ABOUT GH¢15BILLION for works completed and certified and NOT PAID FOR.
Currently, the government cannot even fund the payment of salaries, pay Statutory Funds to District Assemblies, NHIA, GETFund, etc. What is the point of cutting sod for $338 million project 3 months before you are booted out of office? IT IS PROPAGANDA FOR VOTES . Ghanaians will not fall for this . NPP, NOT AGAIN.
