Government has showcased massive infrastructure projects executed under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration in the Eastern Region since 2017, making a compelling case for re-election in the 2024 general election.
The projects include 404 educational structures, 174 health facilities, 555.79 kilometres of roads awarded on contract, out of which 1,859.62 kilometres have been completed, 13 courts, seven police stations, 15 District Assembly Administration Blocks, and 23 sports facilities.
Eastern Regional Minister Mr. Seth Kwame Acheampong presented the government’s achievements in Koforidua yesterday during a town hall meeting organized by the Ministry of Information in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.
Mr. Acheampong also discussed achievements in agriculture, One District, One Factory projects, and other economic initiatives undertaken in the last seven and a half years.
The Eastern Region event was part of a series of town hall meetings that would be held across all the 16 regions to provide residents with a unique opportunity to interact with government officials, learn about ongoing projects, and provide feedback.
It began in the Greater Accra Region, reflecting the government’s effort to decentralize communication and make governance more inclusive.
404 Educational infrastructures
The Regional Minister indicated that 404 educational infrastructures have been provided from 2017 to date for basic to senior high schools.
The breakdown included 33 Senior High Schools, 119 Six-Unit Classroom Blocks, 126 Three-Unit Classroom Blocks, 59 Two-Unit Classroom Blocks, 41 Senior High School Dormitory Blocks, and 41 Teachers’ Bungalows/Quarters.
A new state-of-the-art Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Senior High School has been established at Abomosu in the Atiwa West District.
In addition to this, a new Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Centre of Excellence has been established at Anyinam in the Atiwa East District.
Mr. Acheampong explained that significant infrastructure projects have been provided to enhance the University of Environment & Sustainable Development and other colleges of education in the region.
He also mentioned the provision of vehicles and logistics to schools, including 19,969 laptops, 322,628 textbooks, 185,400 notebooks, 55,632 P.E. kits, 34 vehicles (including a Toyota Land Cruiser and pickups), and 202 motorbikes.
174 Health facilities
Mr. Acheampong said the region benefited from 174 health facilities, including 15 hospitals, 22 new health centres/clinics, 78 new CHPS compounds, 31 rehabilitated health centres/CHPS compounds, and 28 accommodations for health staff.
New Regional Hospital, others
The Regional Minister also indicated that a new regional hospital is currently under construction in Koforidua, along with five new 40-bed capacity hospitals at Achiase, Adukrom, Jumapo, Kwabeng, and Nkwatia, all at various stages of completion.
8 New Agenda 111 Hospitals
Mr. Acheampong highlighted that new district hospitals under ‘Agenda 111’ at Apeguso, Adeiso, Akyem Swedru, Abomosu, Nsuapemso, Tease, Ofoase, and Akyem Asuboa are at various stages of completion.
159 Primary health care facilities
According to Mr. Acheampong, a 100-bed capacity trauma hospital at Anyinam is in progress, while 159 primary health care facilities (CHPS & health centres) have been provided across various locations in the region.
5,555.79 km of roads on contract
The Regional Minister said the region has a total road network of 7,147.79 kilometres, of which 5,555.79 kilometres have been awarded on contract, and 1,859.62 kilometres have been completed.
Mr. Acheampong also announced the completion of 329 kilometres (62.19%) of urban roads out of 529.70 kilometres awarded for construction.
The total urban roads network in the region, according to him, is 1,350 kilometers.
648.38 km of feeder roads completed
Mr. Acheampong added that of the 4,247.79 kilometers of feeder roads in the region, 1,499.74 kilometers were awarded for periodic maintenance.
Out of these, 648.38 kilometers (43.83%) have been completed and for routine maintenance, 2,660 kilometers were awarded with 287 kilometers (10.78%) completed.
595.24 km of highways completed
For highways, 595.24 kilometers (68.7%) have been completed out of the 866.35 kilometers awarded on contract. The region has 1,550 kilometers of highways.
Governance and security
Mr. Acheampong said the region also benefited from 13 District/Circuit and High Court Buildings, 17 police stations, 15 District Assembly Administration Blocks, and two Fire Service Stations.
23 Sports facilities
In the area of sports, the region boasts 23 projects, including 22 AstroTurfs and one Youth Resource Centre.
Govt Is Showing Transparency-Information Minister
Minister for Information Fatimatu Abubakar who is spearheading the Town Hall Meetings underscored their importance, describing them as vital to the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“These town hall meetings allow us to bring governance closer to the people.
“They create a platform for citizens to engage directly with government officials, ask questions, and receive updates on projects and policies,” she added.
Madam Abubakar stressed that the meetings help build trust between the government and the citizens.
“By promoting open dialogue and sharing information, we can ensure that the public is well-informed and that their voices are heard. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy democracy and fostering inclusive development,” she added.
We’ve Delivered On Our Promises-Deputy Finance Minister
Deputy Minister for Finance Dr. Alex Ampaabeng stated that the government has delivered on its promises and is committed to doing even more for the people of Ghana.
“Our economy is on a strong recovery path, and this is evident in the declining inflation rate, the stabilization of the cedi, and a remarkable balance of trade surplus.
“These indicators reflect our dedication to sound economic management and the well-being of our citizens,” he said.
Dr. Ampaabeng noted that inflation, which had reached worrying levels in previous years, has significantly declined, bringing relief to households and businesses alike.
“We’ve managed to bring inflation down from double-digit highs to a more manageable level. This has had a direct impact on the cost of living and has helped stabilize prices across the country,” he explained.
Dr. Ampaabeng also highlighted the government’s success in stabilizing the cedi, which had previously been subject to volatile fluctuations, and its achievement in maintaining a balance of trade surplus, noting that this is a significant milestone for the country’s economy.
He also touched on the stable supply of electricity, which has been a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to support businesses and improve the quality of life for all Ghanaians.
“We have ensured that the days of erratic power supply are behind us. Today, businesses can operate with confidence, and households enjoy uninterrupted power, which is essential for our economic growth and development,” he added.
