The project, which will be executed by Messrs Amandi Investment Limited, is being funded by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) under its Cocoa Roads project.

Even though the project was previously awarded on contract in 2011 and 2014, work did not start and the contract was eventually terminated on the advice of the  Cocoa Roads Audit Committee in 2017.

According to Dr Bawumia, “one thing is for sure: this time, this project will be done. It will definitely be completed and the good people of the Western North Region, and of this area in particular, can have some relief”.

Project

The Benchema Junction-Adjoafua road is strategic, as it serves as the main conduit in the transportation of crops, cocoa and timber from the region.

It is also the major road linking Ghana with Cote d’Ivoire at Oseikojokrom. Economic activities are, however, hampered perennially, especially during the rainy season, as the gravel road surface deteriorates from heavy axle trucks.

Works to be undertaken within the 28 months of the project include upgrading of the road to a bituminous surface, widening of the carriageway,the  construction of 22 new culverts and the reconstruction of a 50-metre bridge over the River Bia.

Beneficiary towns will include Debiso, New Debiso, Adjoafua, Nyamebekyere, Asuontaa, Elluokrom, Domnibo, Asempaneye, Nsinsem, Sayerano, Kantankubo, Benchema, Nkwanta and Kojina.

Commitment

The Vice-President said the government was committed to improving the social and economic conditions of Ghanaians, especially in the road sector.

He mentioned some of the road projects the government was embarking on to include roads in Sefwi Juaboso (14.43km), Sefwi Wiawso (Lot 1 - 5.0km, Lot 2 - 8.1km), Sefwi Wiawso–Akotombra (Km15 – 56) and the rehabilitation of the Buako–Asankore (km 0-15) road.

“This is the vision we wish to realise for our people and a nation in which the road network serves as the live wire and the circulatory system, transporting vital produce needed by every sector to all parts of the country,” Dr Bawumia added.

Importance

The Chief Executive Officer of the COCOBOD, Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, said the project was significant, since close to 50 per cent of the region's cocoa was transported through that road.

He said its completion would ensure that implements, fertiliser and other essential farming tools would be delivered timely for increased productivity.

The Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Kwesi Amoako-Attah, entreated chiefs and opinion leaders to stop pleading for wrongdoers in their communities and allow the law to take its course.

He said people who would engage in any wrongdoing, such as shoddy work and stealing of materials, would be dealt with according to the law.

Appeal

The Omanhene of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area, Katakyie Kwasi Bumangama II, appealed to the government to ensure that the project was completed on schedule.

According to him, the construction of the road remained one of the biggest dreams of people in the region, saying its successful execution would, therefore, bring relief to the people.