Kumasi: With the government's decision to reduce the Suame Interchange Project from its original four-tier design, former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Suame, Maxwell Ofosu Boakye, has stated that the review cannot be accepted.
According to Ghana Web, Maxwell Ofosu Boakye, in an interview on Kumasi-based Angel FM, expressed his disapproval of the government's initial explanation that there is not enough money for a four-tier interchange in Suame. He challenged this reasoning, highlighting that the government claims the economy is stable and running smoothly in Ghana.
Boakye further questioned the decision of the current NDC government, which has allocated $10 billion for a Big Push Agenda aimed at constructing major roads across various regions. He speculated whether the decision to reduce the four-tier interchange could be seen as an attempt to sideline Kumasi.
The former MCE noted that the most challenging part of the Suame Interchange project had already been completed by the NPP before leaving office. He emphasized that the NDC government cannot downgrade the project. Boakye questioned, "We cannot agree with the Minister. He came to meet a four-tier interchange, so what has changed for him to now say it should be reduced to a two-tier interchange?"
Meanwhile, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, provided an explanation for the reduction. He stated that the interchange was reduced from four tiers to accommodate the construction of an outer ring road in light of new developments within the greater Kumasi area. Agbodza mentioned that the original design was not arbitrary and served the opportunities available at the time but asserted that with the construction of the outer ring road, a more appropriate option is now being offered.