A total of 1,859.62 kilometers of road out of the 7,147.79 kilometers earmarked for development in the Eastern Region has been completed, says the Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong.

They include 329 kilometers of urban roads, 935.38 kilome­ters of feeder roads, and 595.24 kilometers of highways, rep­resenting the region's progress from 2017 to the present.

Mr Acheampong disclosed further that a total of 5,555.79 kilometers of roads had been awarded for construction, with the 1,859.62 kilometers being successfully completed.

He highlighted several specif­ic road projects in various dis­tricts that had been completed and these included the recon­struction of the Nkurakan- Adukrom-Trom Junction roads, the Osiem-Begoro roads (24.80 km), and the Kwabeng-Abo­mosu-Asuom roads (41.40 km).

Additionally, urban roads in the Okere District and the upgrad­ing of the Kwahu Fodua-Dwer­ebease-Onyemso feeder road in the Kwahu West Akim Munic­ipality were also noted among the achievements.

He was speaking at a town-hall meeting, organised on Tuesday by the Ministry of Information and the Finance Ministry in collaboration with the Eastern Regional Coordi­nating Council (RCC), to show­case the government's achieve­ments, reflect on collective efforts, and engage the citizenry in discussions that would shape the future of the region and the country as a whole.

Mr Acheampong empha­sised that the government was committed to improving transportation infrastructure to facilitate the smooth movement of goods and services, which is crucial for economic develop­ment.

He added that since 2017, under the leadership of Pres­ident Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the government has embarked on a transformative path. "This includes implementing policies and projects that aim to improve the lives of Ghanaians, with a focus on infrastructure development, healthcare, educa­tion, and economic empower­ment," he said.

The minister explained that the town-hall meeting was an opportunity for the public to receive firsthand information about the government's achieve­ments and to provide feedback and suggestions to help sustain progress and address challenges.

He urged all stakeholders, including citizens, to continue contributing to the develop­ment of the region through such decentralisation initiatives like the town-hall meetings.

Ms Fatimatu Abubakar, the Minister of Information, who spoke at the event also empha­sised her ministry's mandate to disseminate government's in­formation and collaborate with the RCC and other stakeholders to educate the public on the government's achievements.

She stressed the importance of accountability in a democ­racy, noting that the dissemina­tion of information to the local level was crucial for ensuring transparency and enhancing democratic governance.

Ms Abubakar highlighted the need for such events to show­case the developmental projects executed under the leadership of President Nana Addo and Vice President Dr Bawumia.

Dr Alex Ampaabeng, the Deputy Finance Minister, provided an update on the country's economic situation, expressing confidence in the government's efforts to im­prove the economy.

He mentioned that the gains made so far would strengthen the economy, with a focus on infrastructural development, tax reform, fiscal policies, and the implementation of the IMF program.

The Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr Anthony Nsi­ah-Asare on his part, highlight­ed the government's inter­ventions aimed at developing a holistic medical hub in the country, and reinforced the government's commitment to improving healthcare infrastruc­ture and services.  FROM AMA TEKYIWAA AMPADU AGYEMAN, KOFORIDUA