The multi-billion-dollar cedi initiative aims to boost road infrastructure in Ghana
In a significant move to transform road infrastructure across the Northern Region, the government has launched a new set of road construction equipment in Tamale, the regional capital.
The multi-billion-dollar cedi initiative, headlined by finance minister and Member of Parliament for the Karaga Constituency, Alhaji Amin Anta, aims to boost road infrastructure in Ghana and further expand the economy.
According to the minister, the government has invested over GHS17 billion in roads alone this year, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing rural and urban connectivity and driving equitable growth throughout the country.
He highlighted the government's robust investment strategy, which includes GHS11 billion allocated in the first two quarters of the year and an additional GHS7 billion planned for the remainder.
Addressing recent claims, Mr. Anta clarified that the equipment was not funded through the MPs' Common Fund but rather through treasury bills to the contractor, which were used to secure bank loans to procure the equipment.
He stressed that this investment will significantly improve road access for farmers and rural communities, facilitating easier transportation of goods to city centers.
Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, Thomas Mbomba, underscored the importance of decentralising road construction to bridge disparities between rural and urban areas.
He urged the Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to utilise the equipment effectively to maximise benefits for Ghanaians.
His Royal Majesty, Ya Na Abukari II, the Overlord of Dagbon, expressed deep satisfaction with the launch and extended gratitude to the government for its dedication to improving road infrastructure.
He emphasised that the initiative represents a crucial step in supporting economic growth and development across Ghana's districts.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Alhassan Saani Saibu, noted the exceptional benefits the initiative brings to the Northern Region, which will now receive 131 new pieces of equipment, including water tankers, backhoes, rollers, wheel loaders, concrete mixers, tipper trucks, and more.
According to him, this development will create 400 direct jobs and enhance the region's road network substantially.
Mr. Munkaila Mohammed, Northern Regional Private Business Manager of Zoomlion, representing JA Plant Pool, addressed the durbar of chiefs and people, highlighting the collaboration of key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development (MLGDRD), the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), and JA Plant Pool.
He noted that the partnership will ensure rigorous monitoring and maintenance of the equipment, facilitated by the deployment of telematic devices for tracking and fuel efficiency.
This ambitious initiative, he said, marked a significant leap forward in Ghana's road infrastructure development, promising enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and an improved quality of life for all Ghanaians.
