The road projects, which is benefiting a number of previously un-tarred roads in communities in areas where cocoa is grown across the country, is being implemented under a new government scheme, the Cocoa Roads Improvement Programme.
At two separate durbars at Sefwi Asawinso and Juabeso, and during a ceremony to cut the start of work on the Western Region cocoa roads, President Mahama reaffirmed his determination to significantly improve the country’s road network.
The Cocoa Roads Improvement Programme will run for 5 years with an annual allocation of GH¢1 billion to improve access and open up cocoa growing areas.
Sods have been cut for works to start in the Eastern and Ashanti Regions already, and according to President Mahama who spoke in the Akan language, “we are committing lots of resources to improve and expand the road network of the country, and here in the Western Region, apart from the Cocoa Roads, a number of major trunk roads are also ongoing.”
Accompanied by the Minister for Roads and Highways Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, officials of the Ghana Cocoa Board and the Roads Ministry, President Mahama said the development of town roads like the ongoing reconstruction of the Sefwi Wiawso and Asawinso town roads, urban and feeder roads would make it easier for farmers to transport their produce, and be able to reach health and educational facilities quicker and easier.
The President also touched on concerns raised by the farmers about the distribution of fertilisers and cocoa spraying.
Mr. Mahama requested the Ghana Cocoa Board to listen to the concerns of the farmers and review their operational guidelines for cocoa spraying and fertilizers.
Source:3news.com