Bibiani, (W/R), Jan. 9, GNA - Vice President Aliu Mahama, on Friday, cut the sod for rehabilitation work to start on the 74-kilometre Abuakwa-Bibiani Road, a major access route that links the Ashanti and Western Regions.

The European Union provided a grant of 125 billion cedis for the project, whose completion would boost gold mining, cocoa and other agricultural and economic activities in the Regions.

Messrs PW Ghana is the contractor for the project that would take two years to complete. The road also serves as a bypass to traffic from the Brong Ahafo, Northern and Ghana's landlocked neighbours to the Takoradi Harbour.

Addressing a durbar of Chiefs and people of the Sefwi Traditional Area, at Bibiani, attended by some citizens of the Ashanti Region, Vice President Mahama reiterated the Government's commitment to develop the country's road infrastructure as a catalyst for development.

He explained: "A deliberate and conscious effort is being made to use road infrastructure and transport services as a vehicle for accelerated and orderly socio-economic development of our country....

"The impact of such development would be the rise in economic activities, employment generation, wealth creation, reduction in poverty levels and assurance of better living for all Ghanaians."

Vice President Mahama said that roads in Bibiani, the District Capital, would be tarred alongside the project in response to their request.

Additionally, he said the One Touch Cell Phone Network would start operating in the town by May, while 2,000 fixed lines would be installed by October.

"We deliver on our promises... we do what we say...," he told the people, who had made the request through their Omanhene, Nana Yaw Gyebi II, in his welcoming address, and urged them to take advantage of the facilities to improve upon their productivity.

The Vice President, however, expressed concern about the numerous chieftaincy disputes and violent protests in the Western Region, particularly in the Sefwi area, saying these undermined progress and deterred investors.

"The recent violent action by the youth of Sefwi Dwinase resulting in severe destruction to the property of Suhuma Timber Factory is a case in point. The unwarranted and severe assault on the DCE of the Juabeso-Bia District, is too fresh in our minds," he pointed out. He advised the people to use the due process of law to resolve their differences and not to resort to any actions that would undermine the peace and stability of the country or result in the loss of life and property.

Vice President Mahama commended the EU for its enormous support to aid the socio-economic growth of Ghana, particularly its assistance to the road sector.

The EU is also funding the 62-kilometre Axim Junction Tarkwa road at 17 million Euros and intends to sponsor work on 40 kilometres of the Kumasi -Techiman road.

Dr Richard Anane, Minister of Road and Transport, announced that the procurement process for the project would be completed by June for work to begin.

He gave the assurance that the projects would be properly supervised to minimize their health and environmental effect on the people and to ensure value for money.

Mr Joseph Boahene Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, said the Government was determined to improve the standard of living of the people of the Western Region as the area provided about 60 per cent of the nation's cocoa.

He, however, called for patience and understanding of the people toward the implementation, saying it would progress gradually as the national cake had to be shared fairly.

Dr Klaus Gautsch, Charges d'Affaires of the European Union, said a total of 560 billion cedis in grant would be spent on such projects under the Transport Infrastructure Programme III.

He expressed the hope that the projects would enhance traffic operations and the safety of road users, reduce vehicle-operating costs and promote savings in travel time in the beneficiary areas.

The Reverend Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister, said the project would foster inter cultural understanding and friendship between the citizens of Ashanti and Western Regions