Members of the Ashanti Caucus of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Parliament have questioned the government’s funding priorities following the decision to downgrade the Suame Interchange Project, arguing that the move contradicts claims of debt-related constraints.
Addressing a press briefing on Monday, the caucus spokesperson and MP for Bantama, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, said the government’s explanation does not align with its ability to finance other large-scale road projects across the country.
“If government could mobilise funds for the Ofankor–Nsawam Road and other major projects, why is the Suame Interchange being short-changed?” he asked.
The caucus noted that the Suame Interchange was captured under the 2025 Big Push Road Programme, an initiative intended to ensure sustained funding for critical infrastructure. They argued that scaling back the project undermines the purpose of the programme and weakens long-term planning for Kumasi’s transport needs.
Hon . Asenso-Boakye further cited statements by the Finance Minister indicating that GHS 43 billion has been allocated to road infrastructure this year, questioning why adequate resources could not be drawn from that amount to deliver the interchange in its original form.
The MPs criticised the government for prioritising 64 new road projects awarded through sole sourcing while major ongoing projects remain incomplete. According to them, this approach is economically inefficient and risks compounding congestion and transport challenges in urban centres.
They warned that failure to complete the Suame Interchange as originally designed would prolong traffic congestion in Kumasi, increase transport costs, reduce productivity, and worsen mobility across the city.
The Ashanti Caucus has therefore called on the government to review its funding strategy, reinstate the original four-tier design of the Suame Interchange, and align infrastructure investment with Kumasi’s role as Ghana’s second-largest city and a key national transport hub.
“Kumasi deserves infrastructure that reflects its scale and importance,” Hon. Asenso-Boakye said. “Cutting corners on major projects today will impose far greater costs on the city and the nation in the future.”
Story by: Ernest Frimpong (0247220948) | Follow our social media handles @uktvghana | DM us for Ads on our website or any of our socials
