Mahama’s honour for 48 Engineers Regiment celebrates excellence in public service – Anatu Bogobiri Esq

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri Esq., has commended President John Dramani Mahama for his decision to recognise the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces for its contribution to the Accra-Kumasi Expressway project.

President Mahama has directed that the regiment be considered for the Order of the Companion of the Volta at the next National Honours, following the successful completion of its assignment on the expressway project.

The 48 Engineers Regiment was tasked with clearing the right-of-way for the proposed road and completed 175.6 kilometres of the corridor in 19 weeks, ahead of the 20-week deadline.

For Madam Bogobiri, the President’s decision represents an important acknowledgement of the technical expertise and commitment demonstrated by the military engineers in carrying out the assignment.

“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.

She described President Mahama’s decision as a positive step towards celebrating individuals and institutions whose work contributes to Ghana’s development.

Madam Bogobiri also expressed appreciation to the President for his approach to recognising excellence in public service.

“I thank the President for this forward-looking decision and for his commitment to celebrating excellence in public service,” she said.

The intended honour comes after the Ghana Armed Forces handed over the cleared right-of-way for the proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway to the government on September 14.

The cleared corridor stretches from Ablekuma in the Greater Accra Region to Sewua in the Ashanti Region. The exercise involved clearing forested areas and navigating rivers and streams along the route.

President Mahama, at the handover ceremony, praised the Armed Forces for completing the work ahead of schedule.

“From Ablekuma in Greater Accra to Sewua in Ashanti Region, within 19 weeks, 175.6 kilometres of road passing through virgin forests, crossing rivers and streams, our Ghana Armed Forces can today announce to all of us as they say in military jargon, mission accomplished,” he said.

The President has subsequently directed that the Engineers Regiment be incorporated as a major subcontractor to the main contractor for the Accra-Kumasi Expressway, citing the capacity demonstrated during the route-clearance exercise.

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