The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the December 2024 elections, John Dramani Mahama, has promised to improve the road network of the country.
He stated that, contrary to the government’s assertions of having built additional roads, the actual situation on the ground indicated a different reality.
Addressing a mini rally at Amanfrom in the Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfrom constituency on day one of his phase two campaign tour of the Greater Accra region said, “Everywhere I go, every traditional ruler who has spoken has complained about the poor road network. And I am saying that the NPP says that in the eight years of [John Agyekum Kufuor], he did 3,000 and something kilometres of roads. In NDC, they say we did 4,700 kilometres of roads. And they alone have done 12,000 kilometres of roads.
“And the question I am asking is, where are those roads? Because everywhere I go, the main complaint is about the road network. So I don’t know where the roads are. Well, I have not been to Abuakwa and Kyebi, where the President comes from. But I hear the roads there are very good so maybe that is where the 12,000 kilometers of roads are,” the former president said.
According to the former president claims by President Akufo-Addo that his government had constructed more than 12,000 kilometres of roads since 2017 was a fallacy.
President Akufo-Addo at the distribution of earth moving machines to inaugurate the District Road Improvement Programme in Accra on July 31 upheld the claim adding that same was unprecedented
“We’ve witnessed exceptional improvements in our road network nationwide. We have successfully completed a total of 12,830 kilometres of roads across the country and added six more interchanges,” he said.
“These accomplishments include asphalt overlays, 1,936.48 kilometres. New constructions, 659.81 kilometres, gravelling and regraveling,” he stated.
Former President Mahama noted that there was the need for the president’s claim to be established to know how the funds meant for the non-existing roads were used.
“When we come, we’ll audit the new roads they said they have done to find out where the money that has been paid for the 12,000 km of roads had gone because we can’t find the roads,” he stressed.
The next NDC government, he stated, has developed a comprehensive policy to improve on the road network fairly across the country in order to enhance the quality of the Ghanaian people.
Mr Mahama further said the NDC has a proven track record of infrastructural development and should be trusted with a vote on December 7.
BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI