As a result of a lack of funds, progress on three main initiatives in the Ashanti Region has stalled.
These projects include the second phase of the Kumasi International Airport and Kejetia Central Market, as well as the KATH’s 500-bed maternity and children block.
In an interview with Citi News, TKumasi Mayor, Samuel Pyne attributed the slowdown to the government’s debt restructuring program, which is part of the bailout the country is currently seeking from the IMF.
“I don’t want to use the word stalled because it has been put on hold purposely because the government is doing a restructuring of our debt profile and most of these contracts fall under the projects that have been put on hold, and it is not only the Kumasi Central Market phase two or the Maternity and Baby Unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital,” he said.
He, however, assured that works on the project will resume once the debt restructuring programme ends.
“Work will resume after the completion of the debt restructuring programme.” he added.
Sources further reveal that the Ministry of Finance since December 2022, ceased releasing funds for the projects leading to the laying off of some 2000 workers.
Some residents in Kumasi fear the projects will be abandoned and have thus called on the government to find ways to ensure work resumes in the nearest possible time.