MP For Techiman South and Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Decentralisation, Hon Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah says contracts of persons who delay projects at Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies would soon be terminated.

Adressing Assembly staff, Assembly Members and the media on Tuesday during a tour of the Municipality, Mr Korsah said that attitude needed to nipped in the bud.

He however commended Asokwa Municipal Assembly for being among the over 30 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) that had diligently worked with grants provided by the World Bank under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program (GSCSP).

So far, the Minister stated that Asokwa had stayed on track on projects including sod cutting, actual construction and project implementation timelines.

“I think in the Ashanti Region Asokwa is the only Municipal Assembly that has commenced phase 4 and 5 of the projects under the GSCSP programme and it is highly commendable”, the Minister stated.

Delays and Termination:

The Minister said he has suggested to government that it sanctions  contractors who unduly delay projects.

He noted that unlike other projects, the World Bank has made funds under GSCSP programme available to project contractors and there was no point for them to work behind schedules or delay in the execution of projects.

This attitude, he noted should not be countenanced further since it affects planning and development.

“I have suggested to government that it terminates the contracts of persons who delay projects beyond timelines contrary to what it agreed upon between the MMDAs so that it serves the lesson because this attitude retards progress and the development of the country”, the Minister stressed.

Tour:

The Minister later in the company of the Asokwa MCE and some departmental heads toured some project sites under the GSCSP programme.

Areas visited were the Assembly premises where the Municipal Assembly is constructing banking halls and offices for rental purposes.

The team also visited the Ahinsan-Ahinsan Estate road, the Tonpeg- Gyinyase road under construction and also visited the Chirapatre market road which is also under construction.

Municipal Chief Executive:

Chief Akwannuasah Gyimah, Municipal Chief Executive Officer for Asokwa speaking to the media, thanked the Minister for coming to Asokwa.

He noted that the visit would afford the Minister the opportunity to properly assess the Municipality in terms of project implementation and delivery.

The MCE also said the visit also encourages the Assembly to be on the alert since it shows their progress was being monitored.

“We are grateful that the Minister found time off his busy schedule to visit Asokwa to inspect roads and projects under the GSCSP programme and to also interact with staff and Assembly members in this Municipality”, the MCE stated.

Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi.