Address Delivered By His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor, Presdient Of The Republic Of Ghana, At The Sod-Cutting Ceremony For The Construction Of The Oforikrom By-Pass And Lake Road Under The AFD Kumasi Road And Urban Development Project Held In Kumasi On Saturday, 21st June, 2008.

Nana Chairman,
The French Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Pierre Jacquemot,
Hon. Ministers of State,
Hon. Members of Parliament,
Resident Representative of Agence Française de Development,
Metropolitan and District Chief Executives,
Messrs Shinsung Engineering Corporation Of Korea,
Nananom,
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,

About a year and a half ago, I performed the launching and the sod-cutting ceremonies for the commencement of construction works on the Sokoban Wood Village Complex Project, funded by the French Government through the Agence Française de Development (AFD).

We have assembled here today to cut the sod for work to start on the road component of this important project. This is in fulfillment of government’s promise made in November 2006, to undertake the Kumasi Road and Urban Development Project.

Government is resolved to expand the country’s transport infrastructure to support investment in the productive sectors of the economy, specifically, agriculture, tourism, education, health and internal trade. Without doubt, investments in these sectors are critical to achieving a middle-income status and the attaining of the Millennium Development Goals.

Accordingly, government has since 2002, deployed massive investments to the road infrastructure sector. The record so far shows expansion of the road network from 38,000 km in 2001 to 63,000 km in 2007. From a mix of 27% good, 17% fair and 56% poor in 2001, the road network now shows 46% good, 35% fair and only 19% poorer as of 2007.

Meanwhile, development of the Kumasi Arterial Road Network is on course. Earmarked for expansion and reconstruction are the following:

• * The Sunyani Road from Komfo Anokye hospital to Abuakwa – This road which commenced in April 2007 is scheduled for completion in 2010.
• * The Mampong Road, from the Suame Roundabout to Ahwiaa,
• * The Western By-pass from the Sofolilne Roundabout to the Santasi Roundabout.
• * The Southern By-pass, from the Santasi roundabout through Ahodwo Roundabout to the Timber Gardens, and
• * The Eastern By-pass from the Timber Gardens to Oforikrom Junction.

Integral to these projects are various interchanges, underpasses, and by-passes for Asafo Market, Timber Gardens, Komfo Anokye and Suame Roundabout which, on completion, should ease the stress on the main Accra-Kumasi route.

Other significant engagements include the Corridor Development Project, aimed at opening up previously inaccessible parts of the city to facilitate the free flow of goods, persons and services. Immediately, the project involves the clearing and provision of culverts at critical locations in several communities in the city.

Another aspect of the project is the Outer Ring Road, which is a 70-kilometre road around the city. It will serve as a major By-pass by diverting non-Kumasi bound traffic away from the city centre.

Already, a route location survey has been completed. Properties which are affected by the project have been marked and assessed for compensation. The acquisition process is underway and it is expected that compensation payments will start before the end of this year.

Nana Chairman, I would like to appeal to property owners who have been patient with government so far to stop further development of their properties while the acquisition processes proceed. Any property development on the earmarked roads at this stage will greatly affect the progress of the project.

Nananom, it is also advised that those who earn their livelihood in the affected area will quickly relocate to the very beautiful and purpose-built Wood Village. With assistance from the AFD and other stakeholders, government will facilitate re-settlement at the new place of work.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Government and People of France for their continuing support and cooperation in our infrastructural development programme, especially road infrastructure. The government and people of Ghana are appreciative of the gesture.

Ladies and gentlemen, the pleasure is now mine to invite Nananom and His Excellency Jacquemot to join me to cut the sod for the commencement of the Asokwa By-pass and the Lake Road Project.

Thank you and may God bless us all.

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