Gov’t to Protect Accra’s Heritage Amid Infrastructure Development – Agbodza

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has assured the Ga Mantse, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, that Ghana’s cultural and historical heritage will be considered as the government undertakes road and other infrastructure projects in Accra.

According to Mr Agbodza, the government has no intention of destroying sites of historical importance as part of efforts to modernise the capital.

He, however, appealed to traditional authorities and other stakeholders to work with the government to ensure that infrastructure development is carried out alongside the preservation of Accra’s heritage.

The Minister disclosed that the government’s vision includes the dualisation of the road from Tema through Osu, with plans to explore a connection to the old Winneba road.

He said the project is expected to help ease congestion on the Kasoa road and called on the Ga traditional authorities for their support and prayers as the government pursues the development.

“The vision is to dualise the road from Tema all the way through Osu and even attempt to connect the old Winneba road. That will take off some of the traffic on the Kasoa road and we seek your support and prayers,” he said.

Mr Agbodza stressed that the government remains mindful of the historical significance of various sites in Accra and across the country.

“We assure you that we are sensitive to our heritage as a people. We will not willingly or just carelessly destroy any place of historical importance to our city or to any part of our country,” he stated.

He said achieving a balance between modern infrastructure and heritage conservation would require the involvement and cooperation of traditional leaders and other relevant stakeholders.

The Minister assured the Ga Mantse that the government would work with stakeholders to modernise Accra while ensuring that the city’s historical and cultural identity is preserved.

“But we want to also draw your attention that we do this and we need the support of you and all the stakeholders so that we can do this together while modernising the city but not losing our heritage,” he added.