The President of the Republic of Ghana, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Tuesday 19, November 2024 commissioned one of his “last minutes” projects known as the Flower Pot Interchange in Accra.
This very important project aims to ease traffic congestion in parts of Tema; especially on the North and South corridors of the Tema Motorway, enhancing connectivity and improving travel times for commuters.
The Flower Pot Interchange project which commenced on March 7, 2017, with a contract duration of 93 months, features an 802-meter dual carriageway viaduct with asphaltic concrete surfacing, a 140-meter ramp from Shiashie onto the viaduct towards Airport Hills, and an 80-meter ramp connecting the viaduct to the Motorway towards Tema.
It also includes a new road through the old tunnel at East Legon, pedestrian walkways, and road furniture such as streetlights and traffic signals.
The Interchange project was contracted to China Railway No. 5 Engineering Gh. Ltd, with Deoke Consult Ltd serving as the consultant; and was funded by Afrexim Bank and the Government of Ghana.
The commencement of the Flower Pot Interchange project was about 8 years ago (March 7, 2017); and so why did President Nana Addo choose to Commission it now? The answer is very simple….FAILED GOVERNMENT.
A failed government is that type of governing body that is unable to perform its fundamental functions, provide essential services, or ensure the well-being and security of its citizens during its tenure of office.
Notable Characteristics Of A Failed Government Are:
1. Corruption and cronyism.
2. Human rights abuses.
3. Electoral manipulation or fraud.
4. Lack of accountability and transparency.
5. Mismanagement of public finances.
6. High inflation or hyperinflation.
7. Unemployment and poverty among citizens.
8. Inadequate infrastructure development.
9. Totally dependence on external aid.
Why Do Failed Governments Wait Until Election Year Before Commissioning Projects?
Failed governments often delay commissioning projects until an election year for several strategic, yet questionable reasons:
-Political Expediency-
1. Vote-Buying: Last-minute project commissions can create a false sense of progress, influencing voters to re-elect the incumbent government.
2. Photo Opportunities: Commissioning projects provides opportunities for politicians to take credit, generate positive media coverage, and create campaign propaganda.
-Tactical Timing-
1. Election Year Boost: Completing projects just before elections creates a sense of urgency, making voters associate the government with progress.
2. Distracting from Past Failures: New project commissions divert attention from unfulfilled promises and past shortcomings.
-Financial Motivations-
1. Contract Awards: Governments may award contracts to loyal supporters or donors, securing financial backing for the election campaign.
2. Embezzlement: Rushed project commissions can facilitate embezzlement or allocations of funds.
-Psychological Manipulation-
1. Creating Gratitude: Last-minute projects can create a sense of gratitude among voters, making them more likely to support the incumbent government.
2. Fear of Change: Voters may hesitate to change governments, fearing that new leadership will abandon or disrupt ongoing projects.
Citizens should be aware of these tactics and critically evaluate the government's performances. By recognizing these strategies, voters can make informed decisions and holding governments accountable for their actions.
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