Speaking to Citi News, the Former Minister said John Dramani Mahama, while he was President, prioritized the project in a manner that cannot be easily downplayed.

“In August 2014, Cabinet gave the approval for the construction of all that piece of land stretching from Osu Castle to Baiden Powell. This flagship programme by former President John Dramani Mahama was to transform the whole area into a tourism enclave. Give credit to whom it is due. The Cabinet approval was given by excellency John Dramani Mahama, the implementation was done by him, we followed the processes, contracts were signed under John Dramani Mahama.”

The project, which covers 241 acres of land, stretching from the Osu Christiansburg Castle to the Arts Centre, was launched by President Nana Addo on Friday.

It will have facilities including a boardwalk, restaurant, founders’ circle or park to honour the nation’s founding fathers, a 3000-seater concert hall, landing site for fisherfolk, a wharf and a modern fish market.

The project is a Public-Private Partnership, expected to boost local tourism and create jobs, especially to those within the catchment area, and increase economic growth.

Launching the project on Friday, President Akufo-Addo said, in line with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s target of generating jobs, especially for the youth and unemployed, the Marine Drive Tourism Investment Project, from construction to the operational stage, is expected to employ some 150,000 people.

Expressing his appreciation to all who have in diverse ways helped in making the Marine Drive Tourism Enclave a reality, the President said he was expectant that the project will be completed on time.

“I am confident that all of us, gathered here, will be present again here, very soon, for the commissioning of this project”, he said.

–

By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah

The post Give Mahama credit for marine drive project – Former Minister appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Expressing his appreciation to all who have in diverse ways helped to ensure that the Marine Drive Tourism Enclave becomes a reality, the President said he was expectant that the project will be completed on time.

“I am confident that all of us, gathered here, will be present again here, very soon, for the commissioning of this project”, he said

President Akufo-Addo made this known on Friday when he cut the sod for the construction of the Marine Drive Investment Project.

The project, situated on a total of 248 acres of land, is a Public-Private Partnership, expected to boost local tourism and create jobs, especially to those within the catchment area, and increase economic growth.

“Today, we begin the realization of this pledge, with the construction of the Marine Drive Tourism Investment Project. We are all aware how countries all over the world, particularly our neighbours in West Africa, have made good use of their beach fronts, and as a result, rake in considerable revenues for the development of their communities and countries. We intend to go down that path,” the President said.

With the conception of this project dating back to the time of independence, President Akufo-Addo stated that, “I am happy that in spite of the many unsuccessful efforts made in the past to undertake this project, today, we are beginning this project.”

He continued that, “It is noteworthy, also, that the required consultations have been done prior to this ceremony. I am happy to hear that the Chiefs have given their full support to the project, and that their concerns have been addressed.”

“In ensuring that was not the case in this project, the architects and planners have ensured that the interests of the public have been factored into the design. They have put in place a network of well-connected, multi-use public spaces, that fit with the surrounding communities,” he noted.

The President continued that, “The architects, Messrs David Adjaye, and Associates, featuring the renowned, world-acclaimed Ghanaian architect, Sir David Adjaye, have also included in this project, a Theme Park, in honour of the founding fathers of our nation, the legendary ‘Big Six’.”

This Park, the President explained, “will be a monument that will celebrate their contribution towards the liberation of our country from colonialism and foreign domination.”

–

By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Akufo-Addo cuts sod for Marine drive project appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.