The Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has underscored the critical role of road infrastructure in improving not only transportation but also health, education and the overall quality of life of citizens.
According to her, roads are fundamental to national development because they influence several aspects of daily living, including access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities.
Speaking during a working visit to the Ministry of Roads and Highways as part of her ongoing institutional visits to key government agencies, the Vice President explained that the impact of roads goes far beyond mobility.
She noted that poor road conditions, particularly dusty roads, can pose serious health risks to residents, especially children and newborn babies.
“If I live on a road where there is dust 24 hours a day, what does that do to the children in that community?” she asked. “If there is a newborn baby or a young person who is allergic, the effects of such an environment can be very harmful.”
Professor Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged the growing public concern and demand for improved road infrastructure across the country.
She said government understands the anxiety of many communities calling for roads, noting that the desire for good roads is as urgent as the search for employment.
The Vice President added that the government, under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama, is working tirelessly to address the country’s infrastructure deficit. She recalled the President’s observation that the entire country currently resembles a construction site due to the scale of development projects underway.
She therefore encouraged officials at the Roads Ministry to remain proactive and committed to delivering projects on time.
“Whatever you can do today, do it today and do not postpone it to tomorrow, because sometimes time itself becomes very costly if we do not manage it well,” she advised.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang also urged the ministry to intensify public education on the proper use of footbridges to ensure pedestrian safety. She stressed that awareness campaigns should begin early, particularly immediately after the construction of such facilities, to encourage the public to make good use of them.
In addition, she called on the ministry to strengthen the country’s maintenance culture to protect investments made in road infrastructure. According to her, maintaining roads, bridges and related facilities is essential to ensure that the huge financial resources committed to these projects continue to benefit the nation for many years.
She concluded by emphasising that sustainable infrastructure development requires not only construction but also proper usage, regular maintenance and strong collaboration between government institutions and the public.
Story by: George Osei-Akoto Addae (Teacher Kojo) #ahotoronline.com/oseiakotor1@gmail.com