Accra-Kumasi Expressway: Recognition of 48 Engineers Regiment will inspire dedication in public service – NHIA DCEO

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri Esq., has described President John Dramani Mahama’s intended national honour for the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces as a major motivation for public servants.

President Mahama has directed that the 48 Engineers Regiment be considered for the Order of the Companion of the Volta at the next National Honours in recognition of its contribution to the preparatory works for the Accra-Kumasi Expressway.

The regiment recently completed the clearance of 175.6 kilometres of the right-of-way for the proposed expressway, completing the assignment in 19 weeks instead of the scheduled 20 weeks.

Reacting to the President’s announcement, Madam Bogobiri commended the decision, saying the recognition would send a strong message about the value placed on dedication and excellence in public service.

“When this intended honour is conferred, it will be a highly commendable and motivating gesture. It will signal that dedication, technical excellence and selfless service to the nation are highly valued,” she said.

According to her, the significance of the proposed honour extends beyond the military engineers involved in the project, as it could encourage public servants in other sectors to commit themselves to their responsibilities.

“Such recognition, when effected, has the potential to inspire public servants across all sectors to give their unreserved best to Ghana,” she said.

Madam Bogobiri said recognising exceptional contributions to national development could also establish a culture where hard work and commitment to public service receive appropriate acknowledgement.

“It sets a positive precedent that hard work in service of national development will be duly acknowledged,” she said.

She subsequently thanked President Mahama for what she described as a forward-looking decision and for his commitment to celebrating excellence in public service.

The 48 Engineers Regiment’s work forms part of preparations for the construction of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway, a major road project intended to improve connectivity between the two cities.

The right-of-way clearance covered a stretch from Ablekuma in the Greater Accra Region to Sewua in the Ashanti Region and involved work through forested areas as well as the crossing of rivers and streams.

At the handover ceremony on September 14, President Mahama praised the Ghana Armed Forces for completing the assignment ahead of schedule.

“In 20 weeks, I’m pleased to announce to the whole country Ghana that our armed forces have accomplished this mission. One week ahead of schedule, they did it in 19 weeks,” he said.

The proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway is expected to cover 198.7 kilometres and provide a six-lane connection between Accra and Kumasi along a new alignment.

Following the regiment’s performance on the route-clearance exercise, President Mahama also directed that it be incorporated as a major subcontractor to the main contractor for the expressway project.