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HomeNewsMinority in parliament disputes approved funding for the Accra-Tema motorway expansion

Minority in parliament disputes approved funding for the Accra-Tema motorway expansion

The Minority in Parliament has clarified that the approved funding for the Accra-Tema Motorway expansion project amounts to $339 million, not the $660 million figure mentioned by some government sources. This clarification follows President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s announcement on Monday, August 26, regarding plans to upgrade the motorway into a modern 10-lane highway.

Governor Agbodza, the Minority’s spokesperson on infrastructure, criticised the government for initiating the project on what he described as an “opaque note,” drawing parallels to other stalled projects such as Agenda 111 and various housing initiatives. He emphasised that Parliament only sanctioned $339 million in multi-year funding for the project and stressed that no authority has the right to commit additional funds without parliamentary approval.

“Parliament ONLY approved $339 million in 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,” Agbodza wrote in a statement on Tuesday, August 27.

The expansion project, which aims to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance safety, involves transforming the 26.7-kilometre motorway into a more accessible and efficient highway. The project will be executed in three phases: the first focussing on the rehabilitation of the motorway itself, the second on upgrading the George Walker Bush Highway, and the third on improvements to the Nsawam Road.

Agbodza also raised concerns about the sustainability of the project’s funding, criticising the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for allegedly mismanaging the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF). He noted that while the GIIF was used to finance self-sustaining projects under former President Mahama, the NPP has directed funds towards ventures he described as unproductive, such as the SKYTRAIN and PULLMAN HOTEL projects.

He further questioned the government’s decision to cancel a contract between the Ministry of Roads and Morta Engils, highlighting an unaccounted $2.5 million payment related to the contract. Agbodza pointed out the government’s financial struggles, including an outstanding debt of approximately GH¢15 billion owed to road contractors for completed and certified work. He noted that the government is currently unable to fund essential payments, including salaries and statutory funds for district assemblies, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).

Agbodza criticised the timing of the sod-cutting ceremony for the $339 million project, suggesting that it was politically motivated and intended to garner votes ahead of the upcoming elections. “What is the point of cutting sod for a $338 million project three months before you are booted out of office? It is a proposal for votes. Ghanaians will not fall for this. NPP, NOT AGAIN,” he stated.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) reiterated its support for the principles behind the motorway expansion but underscored its commitment to ensuring value for money and accountability in government spending.