The Paramount Chief for Essikado-Ketan, Nana Kobina Nketsia V has told the Minister for Railways to make sure the revenues allocated for the railway sector are not diverted.
He indicated that, it is a worry to realise that huge loans will be secured for the development of the railways but little will be given to the sector.
Nana Nketsia, indicated that there are a lot of parliamentary proceedings that suggest there is no commitment in developing the railway sector. He made the remarks when the Minister for Railways and Development, John Peter Amewu paid a courtesy call on him at his palace in Essikado on Tuesday, June 15, as part of his tour in the Western Region.
He said, “When they read the parliamentary proceedings, they will vote a certain amount for the railways which they will ‘chop’ it and give us nothing. When you look at the rails, it is not in the interest of certain people. This is lack of nationalism and patriotism”
“It is a national duty, they are now playing politics which they will go and get a loan of $10 million and give the railways only $1 million. We have a big task, I have been able to read Hansards over time and there is no hope for the railway sector,” he added.
On the part of the Railways Minister, he disclosed that he intends to pursue appropriate policy for the railway sector which will lead to the realisation of the vision to build a modern railway network across the country, a legacy, President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo wants to leave.
He said, “It is clear that the expenditure under which the President spent within his first term in the railway sector is unprecedented, It is his intention and the governments intention to bring back the railways to what it was some 50 and 60 years ago. We are all aware about the impact of railway in our society, we know the economic impact if we are able to revamp the railway sector.”
“Currently, our roads are not lasting because of the traffic density which these trucks carrying manganese and other bauxite ply on the road constantly.”
He made it known revamping the railway sector will save the life span of the roads and also create employment opportunities for the citizens.
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