A road project in the Techiman Municipality, officially called the “Upgrading of Hansua Roads and Links”, remains incomplete, sparking controversy because it was reportedly 99% finished and partly funded by oil revenue since its inception in 2012.
A monitoring visit by the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) and the Institute of Financial and Economic Journalists (IFEJ) highlighted major discrepancies. While some areas, like Fante Newtown, have completed roads, a neglected, damaged drainage system was observed.
Explanations from local officials varied widely:
- The Chief of Hansuah, Nana Apenteng Fosu Gyeabour II, claimed only gravel had been laid in his area and was unaware the project used oil funds.
- Ernest Boom, the Urban Roads Maintenance Engineer, stated that the project, intended to link to other roads before connecting to Hansuah, was only 65% complete.
- Former Municipal Chief Executive Alex Kyeremeh said the road was meant to ease traffic from Kumasi to the northern regions but also did not know that oil revenue had funded it.
PIAC, which is tasked with ensuring transparency in the use of Ghana’s petroleum revenue, continues to monitor the project’s progress following the conflicting completion reports and concerns over lack of awareness regarding the funding source.
