The Minority in Parliament has clarified that only $339 million was approved for the Accra-Tema Motorway expansion project, contrary to claims of a $660 million budget.
On Monday, August 26, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially launched the project, which aims to upgrade the motorway into a modern 10-lane highway.
The Minority’s spokesperson on infrastructure, Governs Agbodza, expressed concerns that the expansion is beginning under unclear circumstances, similar to other stalled government projects like Agenda 111 and various housing initiatives.
“Parliament approved only $339 million in Multi-Year funding for this project. We did not approve $660 million. No one has the authority to commit the country to future spending on the project without Parliament’s approval,”Agbodza stated.
The expansion project, spanning 27.7 kilometers, is intended to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety.
It will be carried out in three phases: the first phase focuses on rehabilitating the motorway, the second on upgrading the George Walker Bush Highway, and the third on enhancing the Nsawam Road.
Below is Agbodza’s full statement
ACCRA-TEMA MOTORWAY PROJECT-PARLIAMENT DID NOT APPROVE $660m
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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?
5. 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.
Source: Adomonline
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