The Minister-designate for Roads and Highways Kwasi Amoako- Attah has said that parts of cocoa proceeds will be used to refurbish damaged cocoa roads for smooth transportation of the product from the rural areas.

He was speaking when he was vetted by the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Wednesday (February 1, 2017).

Amoako-Attah explained that if the nature of cocoa roads are improved in the country, it will increase revenue and also ensure the standards of living of cocoa farmers are raised.

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“So concentrating on cocoa roads in the rural areas is important to show appreciation and also give back to our cocoa farmers because of the benefits that the nation has derived from cocoa.”

“If cocoa money is being used to finance or fund cocoa roads in the rural areas it frees other funds either from the consolidated or what we call GOG funds of the government to spend on other sectors,” he stressed.

Amoako- Attah assured the committee and the general public that he will ensure the poor cocoa roads are fixed to ensure a smooth process of cocoa transfer.

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Meanwhile, the Minister-designate also revealed that the immediate past NDC government left behind an outstanding debt of Gh¢17.2 billion in the roads sector.

He described the figures as alarming as government’s revenue streams are inadequate to meet the rising debts.

But he said the ministry together with the Finance Ministry will find sustainable means of financing the debt as well as other projects of the ministry.