The Minister for Railways Development, Joe Ghartey has assured landowners whose lands were affected beyond Shai hills for the construction of the 84km Tema to Akosombo railway project that, government will duly compensate them.
He was speaking at a durbar held with the chiefs and people of Krobo, Asuogyamang and Shai Osudoku during his working visit which was aimed to inform them about the progress of works made so far on the railway project.
According to the Minister, the project has been halted for some time now in expectations of evaluation and other necessary processes from the Lands Commission.
Addressing the gathering, he pleaded with the Chiefs and their people to allow the continuation of the project in order to disallow any further delays and cost of the project. Adding that, “The constitution gives the president the power to take on important projects on the lands, but it is proper that we come to notify the landowners of our intention to enter your territory and get your blessings.”
He however mentioned that, their remuneration packages are already factored into the budget as part of the entire project cost, thus, he assured all the affected communities that, they will duly get their remunerations.
“We assure you that we shall pay your compensation to you, please allow as to continue with the project because the more it delays, the more the cost goes up,” He stated.
According to him, the railway project is going to be a community-based railway development programme where the youth of the areas would be employed.
“We have a community-based railway development project, we told the constructors, you need to engage the youth here, it gives them work, it also give them ownership,” The Minister emphasised.
Parliament he said, has already approved about Gh¢ 200m in tax waivers for the construction of the 84km multi-modal railway line from Tema to Akosombo, which when completed would easily facilitate the movement from Tema to Buipe through Akosombo.
However, the Honourable Minister indicated that the project is expected to be finished in March 2020.
By:Sammy Adjei/Newsghana.com.gh
