The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, has taken full responsibility for the lack of interchanges in Kumasi, the regional capital.
During the NPP government’s tenure, former Roads and Highways Minister Amoako Atta pledged to build five interchanges at key locations in Kumasi: Oforikrom, Bekwai, Ahodwo, Suame, and Santasi roundabouts. These areas were identified as priority locations for interchange projects.
However, four years later, the Suame interchange, one of the promised projects, has yet to be constructed in the NPP’s stronghold.
In an interview on Oyerepa Breakfast Time, Mr Osei-Mensah acknowledged the delay and accepted blame for the unfulfilled promise. He urged residents of Kumasi to hold him accountable for the lack of progress on the interchange projects.
“The residents should put the blame on me; I will accept it. Ex-president Kufour started the Sofoline interchange, which was not complete; there were a lot of obstructions on the road. We decided to work on that since one has not been finished and you can’t start a new project. Amoako Atta promised what was on the drawing board, but I informed him that we should clear the old ones. Though, we said five, but my preference is Suame and Santasi interchanges.” He told Kwesi Parker-Wilson , host of the show.
The minister reassured the public that the government is committed to expediting the construction of the Suame Interchange in order to alleviate traffic congestion in Kumasi.
Source: oyerepafmonline.com
