Former Deputy Minister of Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu has taken a swipe at some New Patriotic Party (NPP) members on social media for what he describes as a deliberate attempt by the NPP to claim credit for ex-President Mahama’s infrastructure projects, MyNewsGh.com reports
In a series of Facebook posts on his timeline on Thursday [May 15] , Felix Kwakye Ofosu battled claims by Kofi Ofosu Nkansah [NPP’s parliamentary candidate aspirant for Asante Akim Central] that the newly opened Tema Motorway is just one of the many achievements of President Akufo-Addo.
Kofi Ofosu posted an artwork with the inscription “how the Tema Motorway came about” detailing news reports that suggest the project is an Akufo-Addo legacy.
He wrote “we are not allowing the stealers to steal this” shading the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
But in a quick response, the former Information Minister rebutted that the NPP cannot take credit for the construction of the Tema Motorway project just like they’ve done for other projects.
He stated that President Mahama secured the funds for the project before he left office and all the Akufo-Addo led administration did was to sign the agreement to have access to the money which had already been secured for work to commence.
“You have nothing that the NDC would steal. This has nothing to do with your government. Merely signing an agreement for money that your predecessor had negotiated doesn’t make it your initiative. This is a John Mahama legacy, period.
Kofi Ofosu Nkansah massa, there is not a single project done by the NDC that I do not know of. It is the reason why on many occasions I have challenged your attempts to take credit for them.
The project in question is the Tema Motorway Roundabout Interchange funded with a $56.5 million grant from Japan secured in June 2016. Secured means the JICA agreed to give the grant in June, 2016.
The agreement for it was signed in April, 2017 barely four months into your government.
You think securing money starts with singing an agreement?
How did the Roads Minister in June,2016 speak about the money for that project after the Japanese agency agreed to give us the money, if we didn’t work on it?“
He continued that “for the avoidance of doubt, all three interchange projects underway in the capital; Pokuase, Obetsebi Lamptey and Tema Motorway, are the direct legacy and handiwork of President Mahama.
President Mahama secured $84 million and $39.2 million in November,2016 for the Pokuase and Obetsebi Lamptey interchanges respectively, while the processes for a $57 million Japanese grant was commenced and drawings completed in 2016 for the Tema Motorway Interchange
This brings to 7, the number of interchanges done by the NDC in Accra alone, if Tetteh Quarshie, Kanda, Ako Adjei and the Kwame Nkrumah interchanges are counted.
There is also the Kasoa Interchange on the outskirts of the City.
The laughable attempt to present these as President Akufo-Addo’s achievements are just that-laughable. It also begs the question as to what President Akufo-Addo would do without President Mahama?” He posted on his Facebook timeline.
Source: MyNewsGh.com/ Evans Osei-Bonsu/ 2020.
