In August 2018, the President cut the sod for the commencement of the Kumasi roads facelift project, which included the asphaltic overlay of 135 kilometres of roads within the metropolis.

However, for some time now virtually all the road projects have been abandoned by the contractors, raising concern among the people.

Issues resolved

Addressing a durbar in his honour at Asawase, a predominantly Zongo community in Kumasi yesterday at the start of his three-day official visit to the Ashanti Region, the President said issues surrounding the stalled projects had been resolved for work to resume in a matter of weeks.

The tour is to offer him the opportunity to inspect major infrastructure projects being undertaken by the government and interact with chiefs, party faithful and religious leaders.

President Akufo-Addo told the gathering that the rehabilitation of the Asawase-Airport Roundabout-Buokrom road would take off soon.

Suame

At the Suame Magazine, the President said contract for the construction of a 10-kilometre road for the enclave was going through the tender process.

He told hundreds of elated mechanics that once the process was over, work would commence almost immediately to fix the deplorable roads.

He said plans were afoot to establish a car manufacturing/assembly hub in the Suame industrial enclave to create more jobs for the youth.

He said measures had also been put in place to assist mechanics with proposals to access Exim Bank facilities to expand their businesses.

Parliamentary race

Delving into the arena of party politics, President Akufo-Addo introduced the man who would contest the Asawase parliamentary seat on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2020 elections, Mr Halidu Seidu, to the gathering.

He said it was time for the people of Asawase to unseat the current MP, Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He said the NDC MP had overstayed his welcome and it was time he was booted out.

Roads Minister

The Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Kwasi Amoako-Attah, promised that the planned asphalted roads, when completed, would last for the next 20 to 30 years.

He insisted that the stalled projects would resume in two weeks.

Manhyia

President Akufo-Addo and his entourage had earlier called on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu urged the President to put measures in place to deliver on his promises.

He commended the President for coming to the region to assess ongoing works for himself.