Akufo-Addo pledges to tackle deplorable roads in Jomoro

President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured the Chiefs and people of Jomoro Municipality of Western Region that their deplorable roads will be tackled.

Reacting to an appeal made by the Paramount Chief of Western Nzema Traditional Council, Awulae Annor Adjaye III at the sod-cutting ceremony of Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Ezinlibo, President Akufo-Addo said the construction of the project would bring other developmental projects to the area.

Awulae Annor Adjaye III also reminded President Akufo-Addo of a previous appeal he made to him at Half Assini Senior High School (HASCO) concerning the road.

He also reminded the President of commitment required in constructing the fertilizer plant in the area as promised.

Awulae Annor Adjaye III admitted that the construction of the Forward Operating Base would create direct and indirect jobs for his people.

On his part, President Akufo-Addo took advantage of the exciting atmosphere to assure the Paramount Chief and his people that all projects pencilled down, which he has personally mentioned, would be tackled.

He stressed that the deplorable road network in the area would be constructed to facelift the image of the Municipality.

"Let me assure Awulae Annor Adjaye III that I am keeping a special eye on all the projects including the road network, for they would all be coming into fruition", President Akufo-Addo emphasized.

Sod Cutting Ceremony of Forward Operating Base (FOB)

President Akufo-Addo revealed that the construction was in honour of a promise he made to the Ghana Armed Forces at this year's WASSA, on March 21st 2019.

According to President Akufo-Addo, considering the enormous potential of the oil and gas sector, and the need to confront the general maritime security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea, Government, through the Ministry of Defence, initiated plans for establishment of the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) at selected locations along the country’s coast, to augment existing naval port infrastructures.

“These locations include Keta in the Volta Region, Winneba and Elmina in the Central Region, and Ezinlibo in the Western Region. Today, I am delighted to be cutting the sod for the first of these bases here in Ezinlibo,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo said when the project was completed, it would accommodate one hundred and fifty (150) military personnel.

He assured Awulae Annor Adjaye III that the resources from the oil and gas would be managed well to benefit all Ghanaians.

On his part, the Minister for Defence, Hon. Dominic Nitiwul urged the contractors to ensure that the locals have been given the construction works to do.

He said the project would give opportunity for the people to establish hotels, restaurants, recreational activities among others to better their lives.

He promised to monitor the construction of the project to make sure it would complete on schedule.

About the project

The 200 million-dollar Forward Operating Base is being executed by Messrs Amandi, a foreign company and a Ghanaian company, Vuluxx.

The project is expected to include; Main Breakwater, Lee Breakwater, Wharf, Dredging, FOB Commander house, VIP Visitors' houses, Officers' buildings, Senior and Junior Ranks' Houses, Administration office, Medical building, Operation and Control Room building.

The rest are; Main Kitchen and Dining facilities, GYM facility, Club or Canteen facilities, Main Laundry facility, Warehouse building, Washroom and Shower facilities, Fuel filling and Storage facilities, Mechanical and Maintenance workshop, Church, Plumbing and Sewage system, Security guard posts among others.

The Forward Operating Base, when completed, would be used to protect the country's oil and gas infrastructure.

It would also enable the Ghana Navy to respond swiftly to threats in the oil and gas fields in record time, for effective maritime operations among other benefits.

The proposed land coverage area will be designed to accommodate and serve over 150 military personnel and provide security for the people of Ezinlibo and its surrounding communities.