Members of Parliament from the Ashanti Region have raised concerns over what they describe as misplaced government funding priorities following the reported downgrade of the Suame Interchange project.
The MPs expressed disappointment that a project originally presented as a full interchange has allegedly been reduced in scope, despite its strategic importance to traffic management, industrial activity and economic growth in Kumasi and its surrounding areas. According to them, the Suame corridor serves as a critical hub for commerce, particularly for the Suame Magazine enclave, and requires a robust, long-term infrastructure solution rather than a scaled-down intervention.
Speaking on the matter, the lawmakers questioned why significant public funds continue to be allocated to projects they consider less urgent, while a major congestion hotspot with clear economic benefits is being compromised. They warned that the downgrade could worsen traffic congestion, increase travel time and undermine productivity in one of the country’s most industrious zones.
The MPs also called for greater transparency from the government on the criteria used in prioritising road and transport infrastructure projects. They argued that decisions of such magnitude must be guided by technical assessments and regional development needs, not political convenience.
They urged the Ministry of Roads and Highways to engage stakeholders, including traditional authorities, traders and transport operators, to reconsider the scope of the Suame Interchange and restore it to its original design.
The concerns, first reported by myjoyonline.com, add to growing public scrutiny over infrastructure spending and reinforce calls for equitable distribution of development projects across the country, particularly in regions that contribute significantly to national economic output.
