Flower Pot Interchange: Explain how a GH¢69m project shot up to GH¢700m – Minority to gov’t

The Flower Pot Interchange project in Accra has been making headlines lately due to its significant cost escalation. Initially awarded in November 2016 for GH¢69.5 million, the project's cost was revised to GH¢147 million in 2017 and now stands at a whopping GH¢1 billion . This drastic increase has raised concerns among the Minority in Parliament, with Minority Chief Whip and Adaklu MP, Governs Kwame Agbodza, questioning the rationale behind the steep increase.

Agbodza is calling for transparency regarding the factors contributing to the escalation, pointing out that unless the scope has completely changed, it doesn't make sense for the cost to double or more ¹. He's also asking if the 150 meters added to the project or the cost of exchange rates and materials are the reasons behind the massive increase.

It's worth noting that President Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia, when in opposition in 2016, were vocal about the price of the Kasoa Interchange. Now, as the government, they're being asked to explain how a GH¢69 million project has turned into almost GH¢1 billion at the time of completion .

The Ministry of Roads and Highways has announced traffic management measures due to the construction of the flyover onto the motorway, which might be a contributing factor to the cost escalation . However, the exact reasons behind the massive increase are still unclear.

*Key Concerns:*

- *Cost Escalation*: From GH¢69.5 million to GH¢1 billion

- *Lack of Transparency*: Unclear factors contributing to the cost increase

- *Accountability*: Need for explanation from the government on potential future cost variations

As the project nears completion, the government is urged to address these concerns and provide clarity on the final cost of construction .