News:
September 22, 2021
The ever increasing population in the capital, Accra, coupled with other daunting challenges like the perennial flooding in most areas of the capital continues to form basis for Ghana to get a new capital city.
Joining the likes of other prominent Ghanaians like Nana Kwame Akuoko Sarpong, and planning experts, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings also added her voice for Ghana to get a new capital.
When the question was thrown at her about if the country should begin looking at getting a new capital, she responded saying, “it is such an interesting thought to consider, especially if you think about the fact that with the drive towards digitalizing, how do we distribute our resources to go down the path of having a new administrative capital?” And admitted that the whole idea requires a lot of money and planning, and certain things have to be considered including proper flow of water, and uninterrupted electricity.
“As a country, Ghana should start planning for a new city now, as its first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah planned for Accra decades ahead of its time”, she stated.
According to Dr. Zanetor if the country had stuck to plans of its first president, we would be telling a different story about Accra, and may not be having a conversation about whether we should be looking at a new capital.
“The concept behind the planning was to ensure that, there was the possibility of expansion; of course we certainly have to look at getting a new capital, again if you start with one meeting to another in Accra, if you are lucky to have one productive meeting a day then you are very lucky, once you hit a particular time that is your threshold and it means we are not being productive as we have to be”.
She also wondered if as a nation, we should not be taking advantage of the internet for phone calls and meetings without physically having to be present at a place.
“If, COVID has taught us anything, it is the fact that, a lot is possible via the internet; how are we strengthening our internet capabilities with regards to internet connectivity between our various ministries, departments, and agencies; how are we ensuring that as we are going digital and guarantee to a large extent our cyber security?”
The Klottey-Korle lawmaker re-emphasized the need to move the country’s capital, but stressed that a lot of things need to happen at the same time to achieve this feat.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com