OTUMFUO: Clear illegal miners from Accra-Kumasi expressway

HIS ROYAL Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has charged government to expel all illegal miners, whose operations fall within the proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway route.

According to him, he abhors illegal mining, since those weird activities pose threat to farmlands, water bodies and human existence, therefore illegal miners who would be affected by the road, should be expelled.

The Asantehene, however, entreated the government and the relevant stakeholders to ensure that owners of farmlands and other legitimate operations, who would be affected by road, should be duly compensated.

“Clear Galamseyers from the route of the proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway project because we don’t subscribe to their activities, which clearly poses great threat to our survival as people in this country.

“However, make sure that all affected farmers and landowners would be properly compensated to ensure peace and successful construction of the expressway road project”, the Asante King admonished.

Otumfuo was speaking when Roads and Highways Minister, Kwame Agbodza and Deputy Defense Minister, Brogya Genfi, stormed the Manhyia Palace to brief him about the expressway project on Friday.

The two government appointees used the occasion to respectfully seek for the Asantehene’s wise counsel, support and blessings so that the 198 kilometers expressway road project would a huge success.

The Asante Monarch stated that he would do whatever in his power in order to ensure that government constructed the expressway project to significantly reduce the traveling time from Kumasi to Accra.

For instance, Otumfuo indicated that he would personally have a dialogue with all chiefs in Asanteman, whose communities would be affected by the road project, so they support the government.

He said it’s important that government has realized the need to construct such a road to get Accra and Kumasi closer, pointing out that the completion of the road network would boost business and the economy.

Otumfuo urged government to make sure that the contractors for the road project would deliver quality roads that would last long for generations yet unborn, adding that the road should be completed in 2028.

Roads and Highway Minister, Kwame Agbodza, said the six lane road project, would make traveling between the two big cities easier and comfortable, calling for the support of all and sundry.

Brogya Genfi, the Deputy Defense Minister, announced that plans are in the pipeline for military men to clear the route that has been designated for the expressway project to pave way for the construction works.