GHANA AND EU SIGN 76 MILLION EURO AGREEMENT

The government of Ghana and European Union have signed a 76 million euro financing agreement to support the rehabilitation of the 94.4 kilometre Tarkwa-Bogoso-Ayamfuri road.

Hon. (Dr.) Kwabena Duffuor, Minister of Finance signed on behalf of the government while the Acting Head of the European Union, Mr. Guy Samzum, signed on behalf of the European Union in Ghana. Present was the Hon. Minister for Roads and Highways, Mr. Joe Gidisu.

Dr. Duffuor in his remarks noted that the road transport infrastructure development was priority of government and was happy that the EC continued to focus on the area for effective development.

“It is worthy to note that the EC has impressive record in Ghana as far as support to the road sector in Ghana is concerned. EC investment in this direction is therefore highly commendable”.

The Minister said construction of the road would properly link the Western, Brong-Ahafo and Central regions to Cote d’Ivoire through Bouake. He urged the Ghana Highways Authority to keep to the measures stated in the agreement so that good contractors were engaged to handle the projects and complete them on time.

Dr Duffuor also pledged government commitment to adhere to maintenance and strictly enforced the axle load requirements to protect the road infrastructure.

Hon. Joe Gidisu, Minister of Roads and Highways said the exploitation and distribution of our recently discovered petroleum resources in the Western Region would expose the region to more investors and economic activity and consequently put pressure on the road and other economic infrastructure in the region.

“The availability of such improved infrastructure would therefore ensure that investors take full advantage of opportunities in other parts of the region.”

Mr Samzun on his part noted that Ghana must seek maximum integration in the planning of the various transport mode projects and programmes in order to derive maximum benefit from the transport sector.

The funds, made available under the Transport Sector Development programme seeks to improve the road network in the timber, mineral and cocoa producing rich west of Ghana with the view of facilitating easy connection to the Takoradi Port.

The Western Region currently provides about 25 percent of National Gross Domestic Product. It will also link Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire as part of the regional integration agenda.

The signing was witnessed by the Minister for Roads and Highways, Mr. Joe Gidisu, Nana Juaben-Boaten Siriboe, Chief Director of the Finance Ministry, as well as staff of the Ministries of Finance, Roads and the European Union.
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