Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has announced a new mobile application allowing the public to report road defects. This initiative aims to engage citizens in the maintenance of the country’s roads actively.
Asenso-Boakye noted that despite the government’s efforts to fund and expand the road network, investment in maintenance has been insufficient.
Speaking at the inauguration of a new Chairman and two members to the 13-member Board of the Road Fund at the Ministry on Thursday, July 18, Asenso-Boakye detailed the Ministry’s plans to implement an enhanced maintenance program to tackle sector challenges.
He stated that 60% of the Road Fund’s proceeds would now be allocated to maintenance, ensuring the protection of existing roads. The Minister emphasized the government’s focus on road infrastructure development since taking office in 2017.
He said, “The NPP, under the leadership of Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia, has prioritized road infrastructure development as a necessary precondition for any serious socio-economic development.”
The current administration, he said, has added 12,800 kilometres to the road network since 2017, compared to the 4,636 kilometres added between 2009 and 2016.
“This government has invested in road construction more than any other government. It has upgraded the network substantially, in fact, three times more than the previous administration,” he added.
He expressed confidence in the newly appointed board members namely Majority Chief Whip in Parliament, Frank Annoh-Dompreh who replaced Alexander Afenyo-Markin as Chairman; acting Accountant General, Kwasi Agyei who replaced his predecessor and Amin Abdul Rahman, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
Hon. Asenso-Boakye expressed confidence that Annoh-Dompreh brings a wealth of experience to the Board from his tenure as Majority Whip and emphasized their crucial role in achieving the government’s objectives.
He urged the new members to channel their energies toward realizing the objectives of the government.
Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh has emphasized a commitment to a new maintenance culture and assured efficient budgetary allocations as the newly appointed Chairman of the Road Fund.
In his remark, Annoh-Dompreh expressed his dedication to his new role and stressed the importance of the Road Fund board’s work.
He assured that the board members will not take their responsibilities lightly, stating, “It is not going to be business as usual.”
Reflecting on his unexpected appointment, Annoh-Dompreh said, “I was focused on ensuring that government business is prosecuted effectively in Parliament. Little did I know that this appointment was in the offing.” He added, “I gladly accept this elevation and am humbled by the appointment.”
