Accra:Dr. Nana Yaw Adutwum, Director of Policy for the United Party (UP), has urged the government to involve private investors in the funding of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway. This proposal aims to free up public funds to settle outstanding payments owed to teachers.
According to Ghana Web, Dr. Adutwum raised concerns about the government's plan to allocate over $2 billion for the expressway project while teachers continue to await the payment of promotion arrears and allowances for working in deprived areas. He suggested that private sector participation in the expressway's financing could allow the government to redirect funds towards more pressing national needs.
Dr. Adutwum acknowledged the significance of the infrastructure project but criticized the current financing scheme. He argued that involving private investors could alleviate some of the financial burdens on the government, providing room to support essential expenditures, including those related to teacher payments.
His remarks come as teacher unions recently suspended a strike over unpaid promotion arrears and other conditions of service issues. The industrial action by the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG), and the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) was paused after discussions with the Council of State.
Dr. Adutwum's proposal highlights the potential for private investment in infrastructure to help the government align its development projects with its financial commitments to public sector workers.