John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has cast doubt on the Akufo-Addo administration’s claim of constructing over 12,000 kilometers of roads across Ghana. Mahama expressed his skepticism, stating that there is little visible evidence to support the government’s assertion, and the widespread poor road conditions contradict the reported achievements.
Speaking at a campaign event in the Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfrom constituency, Mahama made it clear that if the NDC returns to power, his administration will conduct a thorough audit of these road projects to verify their legitimacy. According to Mahama, this audit is necessary, given the discrepancy between the government’s claim and the actual state of the country’s road infrastructure.
During his address, Mahama highlighted that everywhere he travels across Ghana, traditional rulers and citizens continue to raise concerns about the poor state of the road network. He contrasted the current government’s claims with the road construction efforts of previous administrations, pointing out that there is a noticeable gap between the numbers presented by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the realities on the ground.
Mahama explained, “In the eight years of [John Agyekum] Kufuor, he did 3,000 and something kilometers of roads. During the NDC’s time, we did 4,700 kilometers of roads. Now, the NPP claims that they alone have constructed 12,000 kilometers of roads, and I am asking, where are those roads?”
He went on to criticize the current administration for failing to deliver on its promises. As part of his campaign message, Mahama emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, stressing that the NDC will take concrete steps to ensure that funds allocated to road construction are spent effectively and for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
In a sarcastic tone, Mahama speculated that perhaps these roads could only be found in President Akufo-Addo’s hometown of Kyebi, implying that the government’s development efforts may have been concentrated in areas of political interest rather than distributed evenly across the country. “I have not been to Abuakwa and Kyebi, where the president comes from, but I hear the roads there are very good. Maybe that is where the 12,000 kilometers of roads are,” Mahama remarked.
He further criticized the inconsistencies in the NPP’s infrastructure claims, particularly in regions where the government has received complaints about the deteriorating road network. He noted that the grievances raised by local communities contradict the government’s reported success in road development, reinforcing the need for a closer inspection of these projects.
Mahama’s promise to audit the road projects underscores his focus on ensuring accountability in the use of public funds. He stated that it is essential for the NDC, if elected, to trace the funds spent on these purported road constructions and ascertain where the money has gone. “When we come, the new roads they said they have done, I will audit them to find out where the money that has been paid for 12,000 kilometers of roads has gone because we can’t find those roads,” he declared.
The NDC flagbearer also criticized the current state of road infrastructure in several parts of the country, stating that the gap between government claims and the reality on the ground is evident to anyone traveling through these areas. Mahama’s remarks have struck a chord with many Ghanaians, particularly those in regions where poor road conditions have long hampered economic activities and access to essential services.
With the December elections fast approaching, infrastructure development, especially road construction, is expected to remain a key issue for voters. Mahama’s challenge to the government’s claims reflects a broader debate on the effectiveness of public spending and the need for better oversight of major development projects.
The NPP has previously touted its achievements in infrastructure, including the much-publicized 12,000 kilometers of road construction. However, Mahama’s statements have raised questions about the transparency and impact of these projects, particularly in regions that continue to experience significant infrastructure deficits.
As the campaign season intensifies, Mahama’s message resonates with voters who are seeking tangible improvements in their daily lives. His promise to conduct a comprehensive audit of road projects, if elected, has become a central component of his campaign, as he seeks to distinguish his administration from that of the NPP.
In conclusion, Mahama’s questioning of the government’s road construction claims reflects a broader call for greater accountability and transparency in public spending. His commitment to auditing these projects, should the NDC return to power, sends a strong message that infrastructure development must be grounded in reality and benefit all Ghanaians, not just a select few regions. As the electoral race heats up, the issue of road infrastructure will undoubtedly remain a focal point, with voters closely watching to see which party can deliver on its promises and improve the country’s transport network.
