Big Push: Former MP says Akufo-Addo deserves credit for ongoing Jinijini–Sampa road project 

Mr Yaw Mahama Afful, former Member of Parliament (MP) for the Jaman South Constituency, has credited the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for initiating the ongoing Jinijini–Sampa Road project in the Bono Region.

According to him, the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government awarded the contract for the project. He, however, commended the administration of President John Dramani Mahama for continuing the project under its “Big Push” road infrastructure programme.

The 80-kilometre Jinijini–Sampa Road project is being undertaken by Rango Construction Limited and is expected to be completed in 2027. The project includes asphalt surfacing, improved drainage systems, and enhanced cross-border trade connectivity.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, Mr Afful, a former Deputy Minister of Aviation, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the road.

He described the Jinijini–Sampa Road as a critical project that is dear to the people of the area and expressed hope that the government would ensure its timely completion to open up the area and stimulate economic activities.

Touching on the Sunyani Outer Ring Road project, which is also being executed under the “Big Push” programme, Mr Afful expressed concern that construction work had stalled for some time.

Mr Afful also announced his intention to contest the Bono Regional Chairmanship position of the NPP, stressing that politics should be driven by development.

He assured that a future NPP government led by former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia would continue essential projects initiated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) if the party returns to power after the 2028 general election.

The former Deputy Aviation Minister further called on President Mahama to expedite the construction of a new airport in the Bono Region, in line with a campaign promise made during the 2024 elections.

“In fact, I agree with the government on the need to construct a new airport in the Bono Region,” he stated.

Mr Afful explained that the previous NPP administration concluded that it would not be feasible to undertake the second phase of the expansion and rehabilitation of the Sunyani Airport because of the extent of encroachment on airport lands.

“The current state of the airport is not conducive for expansion, and we expect President Mahama to fulfil his promise of constructing a new airport,” he said.

He added that with adequate funding, it would take between three and four years to build a standard airport in the region.

Mr Afful also clarified that it was the Akufo-Addo administration that elevated the Sunyani Regional Hospital to teaching hospital status and initiated processes toward the establishment of a medical school at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR).

He urged the government to continue those processes and ensure the establishment of the UENR Medical School to support and supply personnel to the teaching hospital.

GNA