The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has praised Belco Heavy Machinery and Construction Limited for its impressive pace of work on the Agogoso D/A Primary School project, describing the contractor’s performance as a model for public sector delivery.
The Minister made the remarks during a working visit to the Atwima Mponua District on Thursday as part of his regular inspection tour of ongoing government projects across the Ashanti Region.
Dr. Amoakohene disclosed that the contractor has achieved 95% completion of the project just eleven weeks, or two months and three weeks, after the sod-cutting ceremony.
“I am much impressed with the contractor on the Agogoso D/A Primary School project and his extraordinary zeal and effort on this project,” Dr. Amoakohene told journalists on site.
“This is the kind of commitment we expect from all contractors handling government projects.”
He urged other contractors across the region to emulate Belco’s dedication and discipline, stressing that timely completion of infrastructure projects is central to improving service delivery, particularly in the education sector.
Modern Facilities to Boost Learning
The Agogoso D/A Primary School project is a fully-fitted six-unit classroom block with ancillary facilities. It includes an ICT laboratory, a library, a storeroom, and an office for teachers.
According to Dr. Amoakohene, the new structure is expected to transform the learning environment for both pupils and teachers in the Agogoso community.
“This new infrastructure will make teaching and learning more conducive for both teachers and students,” he said.
“When we invest in proper school infrastructure, we are investing in the future of our children and the development of the district. It will also help reduce classroom congestion and improve academic outcomes.”
The Minister noted that the visit forms part of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council’s broader mandate to monitor the progress, quality, and value for money of government projects.
Contractor Credits Government Support
The Chief Executive Officer of Belco Heavy Machinery and Construction Limited, Mr. Belco Usman Issah, expressed appreciation for the Minister’s surprise visit and commended the government for the timely release of funds.
Mr. Issah said prompt payment has allowed the company to sustain momentum and meet project timelines without interruption.
“If any projects are delayed, then it is the problem of that contractor’s laziness,” Mr. Issah stated.
“With the right support and commitment, contractors can deliver on time and to specification.”
He assured that the remaining 5% of works, including final finishes and external works, would be completed within the approved schedule, after which the facility will be handed over to the Ghana Education Service and the community.
Community Welcomes Project
Some residents and school authorities who met with the Minister during the tour expressed gratitude to the government and Belco for prioritizing education infrastructure in the area.
They noted that the new facility will address long-standing challenges of inadequate classrooms and lack of teaching resources in the school.
The Agogoso D/A Primary School project is one of several educational infrastructure interventions currently underway in the Atwima Mponua District.
The district assembly says the projects are aimed at closing the infrastructure deficit in basic schools and improving access to quality education across rural communities.
Dr. Amoakohene reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that all ongoing projects are completed on time, to standard, and in a manner that directly benefits citizens.
