A massive political scandal erupted on the floor of Parliament on Thursday. Shockingly, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson dropped a bombshell regarding a specific MP. Boldly, he revealed that Francis Asenso-Boakye opposed the expressway project years ago. According to the Minister, the Bantama lawmaker actually wrote a formal letter. Directly, he petitioned then-President John Mahama to halt the construction immediately. Unbelievably, Asenso-Boakye described the vital Accra-Kumasi highway as a “wasteful” expenditure. Consequently, this revelation left many MPs gasping in total disbelief. Currently, this road serves as the most critical trade route in Ghana.
However, the irony of this situation stunned the entire House. Notably, Asenso-Boakye represents the people of Bantama in the Ashanti Region. Yet, records show that Asenso-Boakye opposed the expressway that benefits his constituents. Therefore, Ato Forson expressed his sheer amazement at this contradiction. In fact, he questioned how a Kumasi native could block such development. Meanwhile, experts agree that the highway significantly reduces travel time. Additionally, it boosts national trade and cuts down on fatal accidents.
Nevertheless, the MP allegedly fought hard to stop the project back then. Visibly, Forson struggled to understand the logic behind the letter. Essentially, he portrayed the move as an attack on national progress. Furthermore, the Minister emphasized the economic cost of such political obstruction. Despite the clear benefits, Asenso-Boakye opposed the expressway as bad policy. As a result, the debate in Parliament turned heated and intense. Clearly, this historical letter has damaged the MP’s development credentials. Ultimately, voters are now questioning the motives of their leaders. Finally, the House continues to debate the impact of this exposure.
Source: Parliament of Ghana / Media Reports