In a significant stride towards enhancing the road infrastructure in the Ashanti Region, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo presided over the sod-cutting ceremony for the dualization of the Anwiankwanta-Ahenema Kokoben Road on July 15, 2024.

The ceremony marked the commencement of a crucial 20-kilometre project aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and improving connectivity in the region.

Addressing a gathering of local officials, residents, and stakeholders, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “The dualization of the Anwiankwanta-Ahenema Kokoben Road will address the perennial congestion experienced on this road, which has affected the movement of goods to towns such as Ahenema Kokoben, Brofoyeduru, Kotwi, Trede, Adjamesu Dominase, Ofoase Kokoben, Anwiankwanta, Bekwai, and Obuasi.”

The President highlighted that the project is part of a broader initiative to improve road conditions across densely populated areas. This effort aims to reduce travel times, lower vehicle operating costs, and enhance road safety. The dualization of the Anwiankwanta-Ahenema Kokoben Road will significantly benefit local communities by facilitating smoother transportation and promoting economic activities.

The project will be executed by M/S Kofi Job Ltd, a reputable Ghanaian company, under the supervision of the Ministry of Roads and Highways through the Ghana Highway Authority. President Akufo-Addo urged the contractor to implement effective traffic management measures to minimize disruptions during the construction phase.

“Our government remains committed to decongesting urban areas and improving the overall infrastructure of our nation. This project is a testament to our dedication to solving real-life challenges and enhancing the quality of life for Ghanaians,” the President remarked.

The dualization of the Anwiankwanta-Ahenema Kokoben Road is expected to be a transformative development for the Ashanti Region, reflecting the government’s proactive approach to infrastructure development and economic growth.

The President also outlined other significant road projects underway in the region. These include the dualization of the Ofankor-Nsawam Road and the Adenta-Dodowa Road. These projects aim to enhance traffic flow, reduce travel times, and improve safety for motorists. Additionally, the government is focused on replicating such initiatives along other road corridors within the region, such as the Suame Roundabout to Tafo Pankrono, and in other parts of the country, such as Takoradi and Tamale.

Highlighting the broader impact of these infrastructure projects, President Akufo-Addo noted, “These efforts are set to enhance significantly traffic flow, cut down travel times, and, most importantly, improve road safety for every Ghanaian.”

The President’s commitment to road infrastructure extends beyond the Ashanti Region. He underscored the importance of developing roads nationwide to support economic activities and improve the quality of life for all citizens. He cited the strategic projects initiated by his administration, which have brought about significant improvements in the country’s road network.

From 2017 to December 2023, the Akufo-Addo administration completed an impressive 12,830 kilometres of roads nationwide. This achievement includes various types of road works, such as asphalt overlays, new constructions, graveling/re-graveling, reconstructions, partial reconstructions, rehabilitations, resealing, surfacing, and the construction of 35 bridges. These projects have enhanced connectivity, boosted economic activities, and improved the overall quality of life for countless Ghanaians.

In his concluding remarks, President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of continued investment in road infrastructure to address the country’s road deficit and meet the evolving needs of the population. He urged future governments to maintain the momentum and build on the foundations laid by his administration.

“The progress made sets a high standard and serves as a blueprint for what can be achieved with dedication and strategic planning. Successive governments must ensure sustained investment in infrastructure to address the road deficit and meet the evolving needs of our rapidly growing population,” the President remarked.

As the ceremony concluded, President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude to the people of the Ashanti Region for their support and patience. He assured them of the government’s unwavering commitment to delivering on its promises and improving the region’s infrastructure. The dualization of the Anwiankwanta-Ahenema Kokoben Road stands as a testament to this commitment, heralding a new era of development and prosperity for the Ashanti Region and beyond.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

In a bold assertion of his administration’s accomplishments, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo declared that his government has constructed more roads than the combined efforts of the Mills/Mahama administration. The announcement was made during the sod-cutting ceremony for the dualization of the Anwiankwanta-Ahenema Kokoben Road on July 15, 2024.

Addressing a gathering of local officials, residents, and stakeholders, President Akufo-Addo detailed the extensive improvements made to the nation’s road network since 2017, citing a remarkable total of 12,830 kilometres of roads completed under his leadership. This figure starkly contrasts with the 4,636 kilometres of roads completed during the Mills/Mahama era from 2009 to 2016.

The President enumerated the various types of roadworks undertaken by his administration, which include asphalt overlays, new constructions, graveling/re-graveling, reconstructions, partial reconstructions, rehabilitations, resealing, surfacing, and the construction of 35 crucial bridges. Additionally, six interchanges have been added, with ten more currently in progress.

“This development is unparalleled in the history of Ghana, reflecting a level of commitment and efficiency in addressing our infrastructure needs that have not been seen before,” President Akufo-Addo stated. He emphasized the positive impact these developments have on connectivity, economic activities, and the overall quality of life for Ghanaians.

Despite these significant achievements, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the ongoing demand for more roads, attributing it to the substantial road deficit inherited by his administration. He urged future governments to continue the momentum and build upon the foundations laid by his administration.

“The progress made sets a high standard and serves as a blueprint for what can be achieved with dedication and strategic planning. Successive governments must ensure sustained investment in infrastructure to address the road deficit and meet the evolving needs of our rapidly growing population,” the President remarked.

In the Ashanti Region alone, 2,079 kilometres of roads have been completed, including major upgrades and enhancements. President Akufo-Addo highlighted specific projects such as the construction of the Suame Interchange and the upgrading of local roads in Kumasi, which have significantly improved connectivity and transportation in the region.

The President detailed the various types of roadworks undertaken in the Ashanti Region, which include asphalt overlays, new constructions, graveling/re-graveling, reconstructions, rehabilitations, and the construction of two bridges at Susanso-Anloga and Kokoso-Bohyen. A third bridge on the Nwabi River at Atafoa is substantially completed, further enhancing connectivity in the region.

Specific road projects completed in the Ashanti Region include the upgrading of 100 kilometres of local roads in Kumasi, the upgrading of the Lake Road into a dual carriageway from the Coca Cola Bottling Plant to Dompoase, and the upgrading of 56 kilometres of selected feeder roads in Nyinahin and surrounding areas. These projects have significantly improved transportation and connectivity for residents and businesses alike.

President Akufo-Addo also highlighted ongoing projects, such as the construction of the Suame Interchange, which is the first four-tier interchange in the Ashanti Region. The project is progressing steadily, with the three overpasses on the Offinso Road at Anomagye, Magazine Road, and Abusuakuruwa already forty percent complete. Works on the main interchange have also started with the relocation of utilities around the area, and the project is expected to be completed in 2025.

In his concluding remarks, President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of continued investment in road infrastructure to address the country’s road deficit and meet the evolving needs of the population. He urged future governments to maintain the momentum and build on the foundations laid by his administration.

“The progress made sets a high standard and serves as a blueprint for what can be achieved with dedication and strategic planning. Successive governments must ensure sustained investment in infrastructure to address the road deficit and meet the evolving needs of our rapidly growing population,” the President remarked.

As the ceremony concluded, President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude to the people of the Ashanti Region for their support and patience. He assured them of the government’s unwavering commitment to delivering on its promises and improving the region’s infrastructure. The dualization of the Anwiankwanta-Ahenema Kokoben Road stands as a testament to this commitment, heralding a new era of development and prosperity for the Ashanti Region and beyond.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

“Following the vote today by the National Assembly of The Gambia, we commend the country’s decision to uphold the ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), reaffirming its commitments to human rights, gender equality, and protecting the health and well-being of girls and women. 

“FGM involves cutting or removing some or all of the external female genitalia. Mostly carried out on infants and young girls, it can inflict severe immediate and long-term physical and psychological damage, including infection, later childbearing complications, and post-traumatic stress disorder. 

“The Women’s (Amendment) Act, 2015 – a pivotal milestone in advancing gender equality – is the culmination of years of advocacy, community engagement, and education aimed at eradicating this harmful practice and meeting the Sustainable Development Goal targets (5.3). It is, therefore, crucial that these legal protections remain in place. 
  
“The decision to maintain the FGM ban aligns with The Gambia’s international and regional commitments to prevent harmful practices against girls and women, consistent with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and the Maputo Protocol protecting African women’s rights.

“In addition to recognizing this critical decision by the national parliament, we commend the tireless efforts of survivors, activists, civil society organizations, and faith-based groups working to end FGM. Upholding the ban supports these grassroots initiatives, which are pivotal in ending all forms of violence, including harmful practices, against girls and women and delivering a safer and healthier future for girls and women in The Gambia and elsewhere.  

“The fragility of progress to end FGM cannot be overstated. Assaults on women’s and girls’ rights in countries around the globe have meant that hard-won gains are in danger of being lost. In some countries, advancements have stalled or reversed due pushback against girls’ and women’s rights, instability, and conflict, disrupting services and prevention programmes. 
 
“That is why legislative bans on FGM, while a crucial foundation for interventions, cannot alone end FGM. Today, more than 73 per cent of girls and women aged 15 to 49 in the country have already undergone this harmful practice, with many subjected to it before their fifth birthday.  
    
“Recent months have emphasized the need for continued advocacy to advance gender equality, end violence against girls and women, and secure the gains made to accelerate progress to end FGM. It also underscores the importance of engaging with communities and grassroots organizations, working with traditional, political, and religious leaders, training health workers, and raising awareness effectively on the harms caused by the practice.  
  
“Supporting survivors of FGM remains as urgent as ever. Many suffer from long-term physical and psychological harm that can result from the procedure, and need comprehensive medical and psychological care to heal from the scars inflicted by this harmful practice. 
  
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to support the government, civil society, and communities in The Gambia in the fight against FGM. Together, we must not rest until we ensure that all girls and women can live free from violence and harmful practices and that their rights, bodily integrity, and dignity are upheld.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Twelve years on from independence the people of South Sudan continue to face huge challenges, exacerbated now by the war in neighbouring Sudan, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday.

The UN health agency insisted that the humanitarian, economic, social and political crises that began with brutal civil conflict in 2013 have been worsened by the recent influx of refugees from Sudan following the war between rival militaries there – with over 650,000 new arrivals since April 2023.

Right now, approaching six million people – or 46 per cent of the population – face crisis levels of food insecurity – a number that’s expected to rise to around 7.1 million during the current lean season.

El Niño and flooding

The WHO report also highlighted that the 2023-24 El Niño weather phenomenon – one of the strongest on record – brought dry conditions, erratic rainfall and significantly impacted harvests.

It also resulted in year-round flooding, which occurred in new previously unaffected areas.

Severe flooding, recurrent violence, weak governance, poverty and lack of infrastructure have created a complex humanitarian crisis which is hindering South Sudan’s development, the UN health agency warned.

A staggering 8.9 million people mostly in flood and conflict-affected areas have been affected, with women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities at higher risk.

UNHCR´s first-ever Forced Displacement Survey (FDS)

A pilot household survey by The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) on Monday, further underscores the dire conditions, revealing alarming levels of suffering among both refugee and host communities.

The Forced Displacement Survey (FDS) was conducted between April and December 2023 and covered around 3,100 households in South Sudan.

It found that all communities face many challenges including limited services, high unemployment, no education, poor infrastructure and overcrowded shelters.

74 per cent of households going hungry

Food is a major issue with 74 per cent of both refugee and host community households experiencing hunger in the past month.

And over 40 per cent of both groups had less income than the previous year. Refugees from the Sudan crisis have added to the already volatile areas and overstretched services. The conflict has also affected South Sudan’s economy by closing the main oil pipeline.

Marie-Helene Verney, UNHCR Representative in South Sudan, said that “we need to link humanitarian assistance to stabilization and development programmes to the extent possible…Substantive long-term investments are crucial to improving the wellbeing of refugees and the communities hosting them.”

South Sudan has over 460,000 refugees from Sudan, DRC and Ethiopia.

With the conflict in Sudan, South Sudan is receiving 1,600 people daily including refugees and returnees. The FDS provides comprehensive socioeconomic data on refugees and host communities to inform programming and policy. This data is key to targeting assistance where it matters most and bridging the humanitarian-development gap.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.