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In a significant move to transform road infrastructure across the Northern Region, the government has launched a new set of road construction equipment in Tamale, the regional capital.
The multi-billion cedi initiative, spearheaded by the Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for the Karaga Constituency, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, aims to boost road infrastructure in the country and further expand the economy.
The minister said the government had invested over GH¢17 billion in roads alone this year, demonstrating its commitment to enhance rural and urban connectivity and drive equitable growth across the country.
He highlighted the government's robust investment strategy, which included GH¢11 billion allocated in the first two quarters of the year and an additional GH¢7 billion planned for the remaining quarters.
Addressing recent claims, Dr Adam 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.
The equipment
He stressed that this investment would significantly improve road access for farmers and rural communities, facilitating easier transportation of goods to city centres.
The Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Thomas Mbomba, underscored the importance of decentralising road construction to bridge disparities between the rural and urban areas.
He urged the Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to utilise the equipment effectively to maximise its benefits for Ghanaians.
His Royal Majesty, Ya Na Abukari II, the Overlord of Dagbon, expressed deep satisfaction with the launch and extended his gratitude to the government for its dedication to improving road infrastructure.
He emphasised that the initiative represented a crucial step in supporting economic growth and development across the districts in the country.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Alhassan Saani Saibu, hailed the exceptional benefits the initiative brings to the Northern Region, which will receive 131 new pieces of equipment, including water tankers, backhoes, rollers, wheel loaders, concrete mixers and tipper trucks, among others.
He said the latest development would create 400 direct jobs and enhance the region's road network substantially.
The Northern Regional Private Business Manager of Zoomlion, representing JA Plant Pool, Mr Munkaila Mohammed, in an address at a durbar of chiefs and people, highlighted 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 stated that the partnership would ensure rigorous monitoring and maintenance of the equipment, facilitated by the deployment of telematics devices for tracking and fuel efficiency.
This ambitious initiative, he said, marked a significant leap in Ghana's road infrastructure development, promising enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and improved quality of life for all Ghanaians.
