The Western Region Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah has announced that the construction of a double-lane road from Takoradi to Agona Nkwanta has been fully secured.
Speaking at the media launch of the 6th Ghana Hotels Association Awards and Hotel Business Forum in Takoradi yesterday, August 24, the ecstatic regional minister assured the Region that arrangements for the road project are firmly secured.
“I can assure the Region with absolute certainty that I was only in Accra yesterday to firmly secure the final arrangements.”
However, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah believes that just as there was skepticism about the construction of the Tarkwa-Agona Nkwanta route, there would be skepticism surrounding his statement.
The road from Takoradi to Agona Nkwanta is 28 kilometers long, linked to the Ivory Coast by connecting the Ahanta West Municipality to the region’s mining district and two other assemblies. The road is also a vital gateway to some of the region’s pristine beaches, hotels, and tourist destinations.
Unfortunately, years of neglect have left some sections in dangerous ruts.
Some motorists lamented over the loss of productive hours on the road as a result of the massive traffic bottleneck caused by extensive potholes on the route.
Commuters, notably market women and owners of hospitality firms have also complained about how the poor road conditions are harming their economic fortunes.
Again, the regional minister assured the people of the Western Region and residents of Agona-Nkwanta that the government remains committed to rehabilitating the road.
“The other crucial aspect is that our own son from the region will be in charge of the project. So he cannot fail us. There is a huge interest to see the road done and I’m assuring you all here that it will be done because of what I know and what I have been able to do,” he added.
The regional minister also urged stakeholders in the hospitality sector to collaborate to establish the Ghana hotel brand through marketing, a national HR database, and quality service, as well as a mindset that aligns their behaviours with their objectives.
Some owners of hospitality businesses along this stretch are confident that the project will be completed in time for the region to profit from its enticing tourist industry.
