Government has launched a new set of road construction equipment in Tamale, the Northern Regional capital, to improve road infrastructure in the region.
The multi-billion cedi initiative, headlined by Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for the Karaga, Mohammed Amin Adam, aims to boost road infrastructure across the country.
According to the Minister, government has invested over 17 billion cedis in roads for 2024 to enhance rural urban connectivity.
He highlighted the government’s investment strategy, which includes 11 billion cedis allocated in the first two quarters of the year and an additional 7 billion cedis 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 centres.
Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, Thomas Mbomba, underscored the importance of decentralising road construction to bridge the disparity between rural and urban areas.
He urged the Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to utilise the equipment effectively to maximise benefits for Ghanaians.
On his part, 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.
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, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD), Ministry of Finance (MoF), 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.
The initiative, he said, marked a significant leap forward in Ghana’s road infrastructure development to enhance the lives of the citizens.
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