ADDRESS BY HON. FRANCIS ASENSO-BOAKYE, MP FOR BANTAMA AND CHAIRMAN OF THE KUMASI BLOC OF PARLIAMENT AT THE KUMASI DIALOGUE

Monday, 24th March 2025

Colleague Honourable Members of Parliament,

Distinguished Guests,

Revered Chiefs and Religious Leaders,

Members of the Diplomatic and Business Community,

Development Partners,

Members of the Media,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Partners in Kumasi’s Development,

Good morning.

1. I warmly welcome you all to this historic gathering—the maiden Kumasi Dialogue, where we assess and shape the impact of the 2025 Budget on our beloved city.

2. For the first time in history, Members of Parliament from Kumasi have united under one platform—the Kumasi Bloc—to pursue a common, development-focused agenda for our city.

3. Our commitment transcends political affiliations. We are bound not by party colours but by a shared conviction that Kumasi deserves better—and that its transformation demands deliberate, strategic, and urgent action.

4. As Chairman of the Kumasi Bloc, I stand before you deeply committed to harnessing our collective resources and expertise to advance the progress of our great city.

5. Today, I want to share our vision of a Kumasi that overcomes its longstanding challenges and re-emerges as a model of modern urban development in Ghana.

6. But first, I must acknowledge the contributions of former MPs from Kumasi, many of whom laid the foundation for what we are building today.

7. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and we remain inspired by their sacrifices and commitment to Kumasi’s development.

Our Challenges: A Call to Urgency

8. Kumasi is undeniably one of Ghana’s most dynamic urban centres, yet it continues to grapple with critical challenges that hinder its growth and the well-being of its people.

9. Issues such as poor land use planning, crime, unemployment, and inefficient waste management persist. Our city has, unfortunately, become all too familiar with recurring market fires.

10. Just last Friday, we witnessed yet another devastating fire at the Kumasi Central Market in Adum, destroying countless properties and shattering the livelihoods of many families. We deeply share in the pain of those affected.

11. These frequent fires expose the deep-seated systemic challenges we must urgently address. They are stark reminders of the need for better urban planning, resilient infrastructure, and effective regulatory enforcement.

12. We have seen firsthand how poor planning and blocked access routes have hindered emergency response efforts, resulting in the tragic loss of properties and livelihoods. These are avoidable and deeply regrettable failures.

13. As a city, we must advocate for stronger urban planning policies, stricter enforcement of land use regulations, improved waste management, and enhanced safety standards.

14. The time has come to rethink how our urban spaces are organized. We must invest in modern infrastructure that supports a rapidly growing population and safeguards our markets, homes, and public spaces.

Infrastructure: The Lifeline of Economic Growth

15. Ladies and gentlemen, I want to emphasize the urgent need for the completion of the Accra-Kumasi Highway, a project initiated under President John Agyekum Kufuor but regrettably abandoned by the Mills/Mahama administration.

16. Thankfully, the outgone Akufo-Addo administration made significant progress, including the construction of four new bypasses that are at advanced stages of completion.

17. The completion of this highway is not a luxury—it is a necessity. It will ease congestion, boost trade, and facilitate investment, benefiting not just Kumasi but the entire nation.

18. We, therefore, call on the government to prioritize this project in the 2025 budget and ensure its swift completion.

Economic Opportunities and Social Welfare

19. Beyond infrastructure, Kumasi’s challenges extend into critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and job creation.

20. Our discussions today must focus on strategies to address these pressing issues. Economic development is not an end in itself—it must lead to tangible improvements in people’s lives.

21. We must create an environment where businesses can thrive, jobs are abundant, and social services are robust. Achieving this requires an integrated approach that unites public and private sector efforts in a spirit of trust, accountability, and shared purpose.

22. The Kumasi Dialogue is not just a conversation—it is a platform where ideas must translate into action for the betterment of our city.

A Vision for Collective Action

23. The Kumasi Bloc is united by a single, resolute goal: to pool our financial, political, and intellectual resources into tangible development initiatives that enhance the quality of life for every resident of Kumasi.

24. Our gathering today is an opportunity to listen, engage, and draw insights from civil society, business leaders, market associations, transport operators, artisans, academia, and the people of Kumasi.

25. As your representatives, we will amplify your voices and ensure that Kumasi secures its fair share of national development.

26. Our discussions must lead to actionable solutions—not just rhetoric. We must push for:

• Better road networks and drainage systems,

• Efficient transportation systems,

• Decent jobs,

• Strong healthcare systems, and

• Modern infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing population.

27. This dialogue is not a talk shop—it is a call to action. The ideas and concerns shared here will shape our collective parliamentary advocacy for Kumasi’s development.

28. Ladies and gentlemen, I urge everyone here—young and old, leaders and citizens—to fully engage in this dialogue for the progress of our beloved city.

29. Good people of Kumasi, let us rise and build!

30. Kumasi-man! Mo mma yɛn sɔre!

31. God bless Kumasi, and make us great and strong!

32. Once again, thank you for your attention!

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