The October 14 incident, which claimed several lives and caused extensive damage to nearby properties, raised serious concerns about the site’s safety protocols.

A project supervisor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said workers have undergone additional safety training to avert such disaster.

He also revealed that, the company has installed advanced monitoring systems to prevent future accidents.

Workers at the site expressed confidence in the new safety protocols, stating they believe the measures taken by the authorities are adequate to prevent another tragedy.

In an interview with Citi News, Gomoa East NADMO Director, Robert Hackman confirmed that the rock-blasting phase of the project has been completed.

He emphasized that, the enhanced safety measures will remain in place to protect both workers and nearby residents.

Source: Adomonline

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Apostle Onyinah announced the decision after a meeting held on September 20 between the Board of Directors of the National Cathedral of Ghana and auditors from Deloitte.

The meeting was called to brief church leaders on the statutory audit report covering the project’s financial activities from its inception up to December 31, 2020, which Deloitte Ghana has now completed.

The audit was commissioned by the National Cathedral’s board in response to widespread public concerns over allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement surrounding the project.

Apostle Onyinah confirmed that the completion of the audit clears the way for the construction to resume.

“The audit was a significant demand from both church leaders and the Ghanaian public to ensure transparency in the project’s implementation. With this report finalized, preparations are now in place to resume construction.

“We are grateful for your support so far and hope that the completion of the audit will encourage further prayers and financial contributions towards the National Cathedral project.”

Over the past seven years, Ghanaian taxpayers have spent $58 million on the project, which, as of August 2024, remains incomplete.

An estimated $450 million is required to finish construction, although it is unclear whether sufficient funds are available to meet this target.

By mid-2022, various church denominations had contributed GH¢2.21 million ($164,000) towards the project.

However, this sum falls significantly short of covering the remaining costs.

Source: Adomonline

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The poor road which was causing a heavy toll on the people is being formulated by the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) introduced by the government.

The current Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Candidate for the area, Kwame Anyimadu Antwi lauded the government for the DRIP program describing it as unprecedented in the annals of Ghana.

The Municipal Chief Executive Officer (MCE), Robert Yaw Kwakye expressed appreciation to the government, emphasising that the equipment will go a long way in addressing the road construction challenges.

Agyareago community is one of the best farming areas in the Asante Akyem Central constituency.

It is well noted for the production of cocoa, timber and other crops and the location of the by water dam which supply water to all the communities in the area.

Source: Alex Treve Quarshie

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According to reports, work is ongoing on the 23 km stretch, which aims to connect the Greater Accra Region to the Eastern Region.

The GH¢195 million project, financed by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and the Government of Ghana, was originally slated for completion within 24 months following President Akufo-Addo’s groundbreaking ceremony in July 2022.

However, the government’s IMF bailout request and subsequent debt restructuring caused a suspension, resulting in difficulties for road users and commuters.

Residents in the area in an interview on Channel One News welcomed the project’s restart but are urging for its swift completion to mitigate the health and economic challenges caused by the road’s poor condition.

Commuters have reported health issues due to the road’s bumpy state and inadequate drainage.

Project site engineer Nicholas Tieku confirmed that, the construction firm has received funding to continue the work.

He also provided updated timelines for the project’s completion and outlined the scope of work.

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This follows assurance by Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye to local chiefs about the project’s implementation.

“The Akufo-Addo-led Bawumia government is dedicated to building roads, and no previous government has been as successful in road construction as this one. The Atebubu-Kwame Danso road is a priority for the President, as he made a promise to the community that he would ensure its construction if elected into power. Progress has been made, and I have personally spoken to the contractor who will commence work soon,” he stated.

One resident said, “If we had a government like this since childhood, we would have been better. Since 1992, no party has initiated the construction of this road.”

Another resident said the predominant activity in this community is farming and other communities use this road to transport crops to Kumasi.

“We are grateful for the initiative and looking forward to having a tarred road for the first time in our community” he added.

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This comes after a crack was spotted last week and commuters and the media alerted the authorities.

The supervisor of the project, Enam Amuzu, said the work, which began on November 12, is expected to be completed by December 9, this year.

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He also added that the Ghana Highway Authority knew about the crack but was mobilising resources to begin with the construction of the bridge.

According to the Board, which has so far supervised the demolition of structures to pave way for the construction, say the March deadline is meant to allow the Board to finalise the paperwork for the project.

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“It takes a while for the architectural drawings to be ready after which the architect will take the architectural drawings to the structural engineers who will also prepare their drawings and they should be very detailed and so it takes a lot of time to really develop the drawings,” he said.

Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM, the Secretary to the Board of Trustees, Victor Kusi Boateng said the Board would soon publish funds attained for the project.

“By the grace of God, we are very close to the technical aspect of the project that is why you have seen the demolition taking place and the hoarding will be taking place very soon then construction will start,” he said.

Mr Boateng added that “construction work will start before the 6th of March. We are putting things in place. Very soon you will see the advertisement in terms of contractors, procurement and so on. We are working on all those things.”

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The government in 2018 began the demolition of residences of judges at Ridge, Accra which were earmarked as the proposed site for the construction of the National Cathedral which design was made by renowned architect, Sir David Adjeye.

A 13-member Board of Trustees, which will be in charge of the National Cathedral largely constituted by heads of various church groups, was also inaugurated to oversee the successful completion of the national chapel.

Source: Adomonline.com | Gertrude Otchere