France to help KMA for more projects in Kumasi

France’s Ambassador to Ghana, Anne-Sophie Ave said her government is poised to support priority projects of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) that will ease congestion in the Central Business District and also improve sanitation.

She said the French government through its development agency, AfD, will deepen its relations through development projects within the Kumasi Metropolis.

The French ambassador said this during her inspection tour of some AfD funded projects in Kumasi, after leading a team of French investors paid a courtesy call on the Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Osei Assibey Antwi.

Relationship between Ghana, France and the AfD dates back to 2004 where the development agency over the years has supported KMA to execute projects such as markets, drainages, roads and additional cells at the OTI Kuwait Landfill Site

The latest markets that the AfD has assisted in constructing are the New Agogo, Old Tafo, Asawasi markets and the AfD is also supporting the second phase of the Asokwa-Lake Road project with 37.5 million Euros.

The components include a 2 kilometer Road extension from Ahinsan Coca Cola junction to Kyirpatre, construction of a new terminal at Dompoase to facilitate the relocation of the terminal adjacent the Kumasi South Hospital to end the congestion on the road.

The project also includes a 2 kilometer Lining of Aboabo Drain to end flooding around the Aboabo drain.

French Ambassador, Ann-Sophie Ave was elated her government has helped in improving trading activities for a number of women who hitherto were trading in unacceptable places.

“It is a delight to be in this market and see the smiles on the faces of these women as they carry out their trading activities. This is how it should be and through the AfD, we will continue to support projects that are priority for the KMA for the benefit of the people of Kumasi”

Metropolitan Chief Executive, Osei Asibbey Antwi commended the French government and AfD for their continuous support to the Assembly.

“KMA and AfD have relationship dating 2004 and the relationship have given birth to a number of projects that is helping the people of Kumasi”

The Mayor explained that with the women carrying out their trading in a more hygienic environment, consumers can be sure of healthy foodstuffs when they patronize this market

Osei Asibey Antwi asked the Asokwa Municipal Assembly which is taking over the market to manage the market well to derive the needed revenue for other projects.

“Kumasi was the beneficiary of the market but due to the creation of the Asokwa Municipality, KMA has to hand over to Asokwa to continue managing the market and I want to entreat them to ensure the proper management of the market”.

KMA appealed to the Ambassador and AfD to help develop a modern car park at Adum to ease vehicular congestion in the CBD.

Municipal Chief Executive for Asokwa Municipal Assembly, Akwannuasa Gyimah disclosed the KMA, Asokwa Municipality and the Market Committee are to meet on the management of the market.

He however gave a firm assurance the Assembly will see to the proper management of the market to prolong the lifespan of facilities in the market.

The French Ambassador and her entourage which included officials from AfD and the KMA Chief Executive and some Assembly Administrators also visited the site for the new terminal at Dompoase.

Source: otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah