“I Never Opposed It”: Asenso-Boakye Counters Ato Forson on Accra–Kumasi Expressway, Citing Need for Prudence and Continuity
Credit: Ernest K Arhinful
Former Roads and Highways Minister, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has dismissed claims by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson that he petitioned former President John Dramani Mahama to halt the Accra–Kumasi expressway project.
Describing the assertion as inaccurate and a misrepresentation of the facts, the Bantama Member of Parliament clarified that his letter to the former President did not call for the project to be stopped. Instead, it highlighted the need for prudence, continuity, and proper planning, in line with Article 35(7) of the Constitution.
“The letter is publicly available and clearly shows that I never sought to stop any development initiative,” Mr Asenso-Boakye said.
He explained that his concerns were practical, questioning how the government could announce a start date and completion timeline for a new expressway when there was no feasibility study, no final design, no costing, and no secured funding.
He also challenged the rationale behind abandoning an ongoing dualisation project that was already 64 per cent complete, met the same objective, and would cost significantly less to finish.
“My position was guided by national interest, fiscal responsibility, and professional judgment—not opposition to development,” he stressed.
Mr Asenso-Boakye expressed regret that the Finance Minister chose to mischaracterise his stance on such an important matter. Reaffirming his commitment to responsible leadership, he stated:
“Ghana deserves honesty, continuity, and good stewardship of public resources. These principles have always guided my work and will continue to shape my contributions to national development.”
