The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, has engaged chiefs of the Western Regional House of Chiefs on efforts to address key infrastructure challenges in the region, including the long-awaited 3.5-kilometre Bakanta road project in the Ellembelle District.
The engagement focused on community development initiatives, including the proposed renovation of critical facilities at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital and the refurbishment of the Western Regional House of Chiefs auditorium.
Addressing the chiefs, Madam Hardcastle disclosed that the Eni-funded Bakanta road project was at the final stage of contractor selection, with construction expected to begin before early 2027.
“Eni is at the final stage of selecting the contractors for the project. After the necessary approvals from the Commission, the contractor is expected to go on site to commence work before early next year,” she said.
The project, which has remained on the drawing board for some time, is expected to improve road access and ease transportation challenges for residents of Bakanta and surrounding communities.
Meanwhile, the Commission is working with the GNPC Foundation and Ghana Gas to secure support for the renovation of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Accident and Emergency Centre at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital.
The intervention follows an appeal by the Western Regional House of Chiefs last year for support to refurbish its auditorium and renovate the two critical facilities at the regional hospital.
Madam Hardcastle said the Commission had made progress in securing the support of the two institutions.
“In fulfilment of this commitment, the Commission engaged the GNPC Foundation and Ghana Gas to support the implementation of these legacy projects. I am pleased to inform this August House that the engagements have yielded positive results, with tangible progress towards the realisation of the commitments made,” she told the chiefs.
She further disclosed that a consultant had completed technical site assessments, while preliminary designs and cost estimates were being prepared.
A draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has also been prepared to define the responsibilities of the project partners, their financial contributions and arrangements for maintaining the facilities after completion.
According to her, the successful implementation of the projects will require sustained collaboration among the stakeholders.
“Their successful implementation will depend on continued coordination, clearly defined implementation arrangements and the active involvement of all relevant stakeholders,” she said.
By: Portia Cudjoe
