Accra-Kumasi Road to be reconstructed – Salia

MPs salute Islamic Republic of Iran

Accra (Greater Accra) 14 Feb. 2000

The Government has secured funding for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Accra-Kumasi road, Mr Edward Salia, Minister of Roads and Highways, told Parliament on Friday.

He said the actual constructional work on the Achimota-Apedwa portion will start in 2001 while that of the Apedwa-Bunso, Bunso-Anyinam portions will begin in the latter part of 2000.

Mr. Salia, who was answering a Parliamentary question, said the Konongo-Kumasi portion would be tackled as soon as additional funds are secured.

There is also likely to be a major diversion and a provision for an aqueduct on the Achimota-Nsawam road to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic.

On the present traffic congestion on the road, he appealed to motorists to exercise restraint while "we wait for the final solution".

Meanwhile, Mr Yaw Baning-Darko, NPP-Atiwa, has appealed to the Ministry of Roads and Highways to repair a broken bridge at Agbosome that links the Accra-Kumasi to the Central Region.

In a statement, he said the situation has seriously affected the transaction of business in his constituency.

Ms. Christine Churcher, NPP-Cape Coast, said the bridge is very strategic to the movement persons and productivity and appealed for its immediate restoration.

Mr. Abuga Pele, NDC-Chiana/Paga, said the lessons of the recent floods that swept some parts of Northern Ghana should not be lost on Ghanaians.

He said the nation should strengthen its strategic infrastructure to minimize any negative impact of a natural disaster in the near future.

Ms Theresa Nyarko-Fofie, NDC-Nkoranza, said the nation should cultivate the culture of maintenance to save important national assets from waste and negligence.

She took a section of the road contractors' community to task for their shoddy work and said its negative impact on the economy is great.

GRi../

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Accra (Greater Accra) 14 Feb. 2000

Members of Parliament on Friday paid tribute to the Islamic Republic of Iran for its continued support for the development of Ghana.

They said the people of Iran have over the years offered technical, medical and other vital services to the population of Ghana for virtually free.

Alhaji Amadu Ali, NDC-Atebubu South, who read a statement to congratulate the nation on its 21st national day, said: "the relationship between Ghana and Iran over the past decade has been very cordial".

"What I am expecting to see in the near future is the exchange of visits at the highest levels including the two Parliaments of the two countries."

He said the nation, through its overseas assistance initiative, the Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD), had helped immensely in agriculture, small-scale industries, training and manpower development.

"ARD gives assistance to the poor, vulnerable and the rural dweller in the form of schools, potable water, tractor services, agro-forestry and income-generating activities."

Alhaji Mustapha Iddris, NPP-Gukpegu/Sabongida, said ARD has positively impacted on the northern sector of the country.

He asked the government to further strengthen its relations with Iran and urged other Islamic embassies in the country to emulate the good work of Iran.

Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Welfare, lauded the efforts made by ARD to minimise the impact of the northern conflict on the population.

He mentioned the Iran Clinic in Accra as one of the urban-based "Medicare" centres, which has given a section of the urban poor some relief.

Alhaji Amadu Seidu, Deputy Minister of Works and Housing, said Iran has a very strong and large market that should be taken advantage of by extending the exportation of non-traditional commodities.

Meanwhile, Mr M.A. Seidu, Deputy Majority Leader, has said the Minister of Lands and Forestry will appear before the house next week to give a comprehensive report on the lumber situation.

Presenting the Business Statement for next week, Mr. Seidu said debate on the budget will commence on Wednesday and last two weeks.

The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Finance, Mines and Energy and Local Government and Rural Development are also supposed to answer questions in the house.

GRi../

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