Regional Minister Explains Why Suame Interchange Started in 2023 And Not 2017

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Simon Osei Mensah, says the delay in the construction of the Suame Interchange—one of the five promised interchanges for the region—was strategically planned to avoid traffic congestion in the Kumasi Metropolis.

The five interchanges promised by this government were supposed to be completed before the end of their term on January 7, 2025; however that remains a mirage as just one is under construction.

Speaking at a meeting with the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs, the Minister explained that the Suame Interchange was intentionally delayed after experts realised its earlier commencement before the completion of the Sofoline Interchange would cause massive traffic congestion in the city.

As such, he said, the project had to be delayed until the completion of the Sofoline Interchange to ease traffic congestion when the Suame Interchange begins.

In an update, he said three flyovers are also being constructed in addition to the Interchange.

“As we speak, the flyover and local roads are being worked on.”

In a related matter, he told the chiefs 2,145.2km of road has been constructed by the Akufo-Addo government in the Region as of August 2024 with many bridges also constructed.

Health
Rendering account on the region’s health sector, he said his government has completed two of the three Disease and Infection Centres. The completed ones, he said, are located at Sewua and Atonsu while the remaining one at Nkenkenso is still under construction.

He said five district hospitals had been completed at Manso Nkwanta, Twedie, Drobonso, Suame and Sabronum while the construction of Accident and Trauma Hospital at Obuasi, a Psychiatric Clinic at Ejisu are underway.

He further outlined other health interventions like the use of drones and the supply of 49 ambulances.

Additionally, he said seven of the 19 Agenda 111 hospitals in the region are ready for commissioning.

Education
In the education sector, he said the Region boasts of the highest number of Senior High Schools at 141. This figure, according to him excludes newly built ones.

Hon Osei Mensah also announced that of the 1,178 educational projects initiated by the government, 957 had been completed.

These include Creative Art Schools, STEM schools and TVET schools.

Judiciary
For the judiciary, he said 28 courts had been constructed with 24 commissioned.

He as well mentioned 51 residential accomodations for judges.

Security
In terms of security, the Minister said illegal activities of herdsmen, highway robbery, kidnapping, communal violence and other vices had reduced drastically under his stewardship.

He also said 74 infrastructural facilities for the security agencies started in 2017, with 66 already completed.

Sports
In the sports sector, Hon Osei Mensah said the Region got it’s first Astroturf under the Akufo-Addo government to nurture talents in football.

According to him, 71 had been started with 21 completed.

Other projects he mentioned were the five-storey building of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, the Akomadan Greenhouse Project, 70 Stores project and the Local Government University at Akomadan.

Satisfaction
In reaction to the account, Nananom expressed satisfaction with the Minister’s stewardship.

In his speech, Mamponghene Daasebre Osei Bonsu, acknowledged the challenges the Ministry surmounted to undertake all the projects.

“We are all witnesses to some of the projects. You have not played in your tenure at all…we are pleased with your work. We thank you.”

Farewell Plan
In his speech, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II announced plans to honour the Minister with a befitting farewell event when his tenure ends early next year.

“He has not ended his tenure yet but when it ends, we will make sure to give him the deserving farewell.”

He commended him for his humility and respect for traditional authorities in the face of the power he wields.

“You have lived with us all this while in respect and humility. You were never carried away by power.”

He also patted him for uniting with all members of the House for its efficiency.

Source: opensuo.com/Hajara Fuseini