The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, Last Wednesday, May 6 2026 took pains to explain to Ghanaians issues relating to the Kumasi and Takoradi markets which had gained controversies of late.
Terming it, ‘Setting the records straight,’ the Minister explained that the alleged delay in completion of these projects were not the fault of the current Mahama -led National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration
Rather the delays stemmed from what the termed ‘Non-payment of IPC by the previous Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo led New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, as well as demobilization by contractors in 2024
What was more, the debt restructing policy of the government then led to the accumulation of huge suspension cost claims by contractors, leaving critical components of the projects uncompleted. This he noted had created considerable challenges also besides the fact that the original costs of these projects had ballooned from their original amounts, they had also left in their trails suspension claims of EUR 57,316,528 as at today.
Hon Ahmed made this known at a press conference at the Ministry Last Wednesday, May 6 2026, which happened to be his birthday.
The Minister hinted that besides setting the records straight, government was very committed to complete these projects as soon as possible. This is because, completing this project is not only an option but also a necessity in that, it is about protecting public investment, restoring economic vitality and improving the quality and life of the people.
Hon. Ahmed subsequently appealed to demonstrators on these projects to exercise restraint since the Mahama Administration, which initiated and stated these projects cannot afford to have them rotten.
He opined that it was the very people who caused the delay are the very ones orchestrating these unwarranted demonstrations.
We publish below the full press statement issued by the minister
Ambushed Birth Day Bash
After the programme, which included the swearing of members of the greater Accra passengers Transport Executive (GAPTE), the Minister was subjected to a Birth Day bush which he described as ‘Ambushed as a conspiracy’.
According to him, after the programme he was set to leave for his office only to be “held captive to the bash” admits profuse prayers, praises singing and merrymaking.
The process became so prolong so much that it has to take the Minister to vamoose through the backdoor to his office.
By S.O Ankamah
