In a recent parliamentary session, Honorable Francis Asenso-Boakye, Member of Parliament for Bantama and former Minister of Roads and Highways, delivered a pointed critique of President John Dramani Mahama’s State of the Nation Address, focusing on the administration’s perspective on road infrastructure debt.

Highlighting Contradictions in Infrastructure Investment, Asenso-Boakye underscored a perceived contradiction in President Mahama’s address, noting that while the President emphasized the importance of road infrastructure for national development, he simultaneously lamented the associated debt. Asenso-Boakye argued that such investments are essential for economic growth, stating, “Debt, in itself, is not bad; it depends on how it is used.”

He cited the U.S. interstate highway program of the 1950s as an example, where every dollar invested yielded six dollars in economic returns.

The former minister defended the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) track record in infrastructure, highlighting that between 2017 and 2024, the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration undertook works covering 13,624.25 kilometers of roads, compared to the 4,636 kilometers by the previous administration.

He clarified that this figure encompasses construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and upgrading projects.

Beyond road construction, Asenso-Boakye highlighted the NPP administration’s efforts in developing interchanges and bridges to improve connectivity and safety. He mentioned the 9 completed interchanges and 13 under construction by the Akufo-Addo administration as against just 5 by the Mills and Mahama administration.

He also noted that between 2017 and 2024, over 35 bridges were completed, with more than 50 additional bridges at various stages of construction nationwide.

Responding to President Mahama’s concerns about the proportion of poor roads in urban areas, Asenso-Boakye attributed this to rapid urbanization and population growth. 

He explained that as cities expand, new access roads are created, initially in basic conditions awaiting further investment, reflecting the government’s responsiveness to growing urban populations.

The Bantama legislature concluded by asserting that the road sector is in a better state than before, emphasizing the NPP’s commitment to infrastructure development. He stated, “Our record in the roads sector is unmatched and unprecedented. No other government in Ghana’s history has done more.”

The parliamentary debate continues to shed light on differing perspectives regarding infrastructure investment and its role in national development.

Sompaonline.com/Kukua Gyando