Millennium Challenge Corporation lauds Ghana

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) on Wednesday gave Ghana thumbs up for rising to the challenges of the Corporation, and completing the construction of the Tetteh- Quarshie- Mallam Junction road in Accra on schedule.

“We demand a lot. and Ghana rose to meet the challenges of being an MCC partner, and today we celebrate the success of that partnership,” Mr Daniel Yohannes, Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, said.

Mr Yohannes made the commendation when he led a delegation from the Corporation to pay a courtesy call on President John Evans Atta Mills at the Osu Castle in Accra, a few hours after the President had inaugurated the project, which was financed with MCC funds.

The project, 14.1 kilometre stretch of road, at an estimated cost of 173.2 million, out of the $547 million from the Millennium Challenge Compact, signed in the year 2007, was inaugurated under the name “George Walker Bush Motorway”, after former US President George Bush (Jnr).

The three lane dual carriageway has been completed in 30 months.

The design of the project included the construction of two grade separation interchanges, at the Dimples and Mallam junctions, six footbridges, 23 minor junctions, bicycle lanes and two transport terminals at Kokroko, near Mallam and Abeka Lapaz.

The MCC investments are intended to increase the production and productivity of high-value cash and food staple crops in some of the poorest regions and enhance the competitiveness of Ghana’s agricultural products in regional and international markets.

Mr Yohannes praised Ghana for her democratic credentials, and said the Corporation partners with countries making policy reforms” that will help them help themselves.

“The end of Ghana’s $547 million MCC compact is proof of your determination and diligence to improve the lives of Ghanaians in meaningful and lasting ways, “Mr Yohannes said.

He said it was the success story of Ghana that has made qualify for the Compact Two. The amount for the Compact Two is yet to be announced. President Mills thanked the Corporation for the confidence it ahs reposed in Ghana, and commended the people who engaged in the project for working so hard to meet the deadline.

President Mills, gave credit to the former Kufuor Administration for initiating the project, which his (Mills Administration) completed.

President Mills said the project and the Compact underscores the relationship between Ghana and the US.

Referring to the crowds that lined the streets, thrilled, waving and cheering as the entourage drove along the road, President Mills registered the people’s acknowledgement that the road and other poverty reduction programmes would help improve their lives.

He was full of appreciation to the US Government for its intervention programmes, especially in the rural areas in Ghana, and offering training to improve upon the skills of farmers to improve their lot.

President Mills on behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, presented gift souvenirs to Mr Yohannes; and Mr Allan Patricof, a Board Member of the MCC.

Present were at the function were Mr Donald Tetelbaum, the United States Ambassador to Ghana, and Mr Martin Eson- Benjamin, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s Millennium Development Authority.