Group calling itself Koforidua Development Advocates (KDA) has been implored to suspend its intended demonstration over deteriorating roads in New Juaben North and South Municipalities.
The group which had already been able to galvanize massive support of the people was hoping to hit the street on June 8, 2023 in what could have been unprecedented demonstration in Koforidua.
However, Omanhene of New Juaben traditional area Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III through Gyaasehene Nana Twumasi Dankwa has asked the group to suspend the intended demonstration untill further notice following arrival of contractor to resume work on rehabilitation of Koforidua roads.
According to Gyaasehene, the traditional council is also following keenly to ensure that asphalting work on the roads are not abandoned.
He assured the group that Nananom will lead the demo if the road projects are abandoned.
Gyaasehene stated that Nananom share concerns of residents over deplorable roads in the Regional capital adding Koforidua deserves better roads however given the political leadership benefit of the doubt to redeem their latest promise.
Convener of Koforidua Development Advocates, KDA, Godsway Agbodo, thanked Nananom for their guidance and assured that leadership will meet to take their advise into consideration.
He stressed that aside the town roads ,the group is looking forward to rehabilitation of roads in various communities in Koforidua whose roads have seriously deteriorated.
Statement by Hon.Okyere Baafi
Member of Parliament for New Juaben South Michael Okyere Baafi says over 80% of roads in Koforidua have been awarded to contract ,that , very soon contractors will be on sites to fix the roads.
The MP said in a statement issued Tuesday May 23,2023 that, “from last year 2022 and through out this year 2023, through our concerted efforts all town roads, including ancillary, auxiliary and tributary roads in New Juaben South are all already in plan to be fixed. More than 80% of the roads in Koforidua have been given out on contracts and contractor will soon move to site to start and complete their work”.
The MP duly appreciated residents’ intended demonstration for roads rehabilitation; however, said ” their demonstration have only come at a time the road projects are already in the offing. Maybe, we can call it coincidence but a lot has already gone on behind the curtains. In the coming weeks, residents of New Juaben South will begin to smile”.
Hon.Okyere Baafi said “Over the years, significant endeavors have been made by the Eastern Regional Minister, Municipal Chief Executive, and myself as Member of Parliament for New Juaben South to ensure that all roads in Koforidua get fixed.As MP and by dint of hard work I have personally lobbied for the construction of roads in Nyamekrom, Magazine and Trom which roads were not initially part of Government’s initial earmarked projects for the constituency. But as this year has been declared the year of roads, my humble plea was graciously acceded to and work has started on these otherwise abandoned roads”
The statement highlighted further that “it is important to note that I have been consistently advocating for the government to prioritize the rehabilitation of Koforidua roads, and I have been actively engaging with constituents on this matter through various media engagements, especially on Koforidua-based Afeema 103.3 FM on Mondays”
Okyere Baafi stated that construction of Koforidua roads delayed due to the IMF program stating now that Ghana has secured IMF deal government intends to embark on massive road projects including that of Koforidua roads.
”I would like to state that the rigorous road construction projects suffered an abrupt halt because as per the IMF agreements all such works had to be suspended until authorization has been received to continue. This accounts for the slow progress of works on our roads.
Following the approval of the IMF, the government plans to initiate extensive road construction projects across the country, including Koforidua roads”.
The MP therefore “implore all constituents of New Juaben South to stay calm as the weeks ahead is going to witness the continuation of stalled roads construction in the constituency/Municipality. I wish to reassure that Myself as MP, the Hon. Municipal Chief Executive and the Eastern Regional Minister have not slept on our oars; we are working tirelessly to win more road projects for New Juaben South”.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
