Kumasi, Ghana – By: Evans Osei-Bonsu
Deputy Minister for Defence, Brogya Genfi, has taken a swipe at the Member of Parliament for Suame, Lawyer John Darko, criticizing him for what he describes as “naked partisanship” over recent remarks about traffic congestion in the constituency.
According to Mr. Genfi, a former parliamentary candidate for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), the MP’s sudden concern about the traffic situation is disingenuous and politically motivated, considering that the Suame Interchange project, which is the main cause of the inconvenience, was left stalled under his own party’s administration with little to no advocacy from him at the time.
“He was elected as the NPP Parliamentary Candidate in January 2024, at a time when the Suame traffic situation had worsened due to the stalled interchange project,” Mr. Genfi said in a statement. “Yet, not once did he publicly call on his government to pay contractors to return to site.”
The Suame Interchange project was initiated under the Akufo-Addo administration, with the sod-cutting ceremony held in 2022. It was expected to be completed within 36 months. However, construction was halted for several months due to non-payment to contractors and funding challenges.
Since assuming office in January 2025, President John Dramani Mahama’s administration has resumed work on the interchange, with the project now said to be progressing steadily.
“President Mahama has been in office for just six months, yet we can see real work being done. To now act as though this government is to blame for the traffic is unfair and misleading,” Mr. Genfi added.
The Defence Deputy Minister’s comments come after the Suame MP reportedly complained about increasing traffic in the area, drawing criticism from residents who believe the concerns are politically motivated rather than grounded in sincere representation.
Observers say Mr. Genfi’s remarks reflect growing tension between the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) over infrastructural narratives, particularly in the Ashanti Region—a traditional NPP stronghold.
Construction of the Suame Interchange is expected to ease congestion across several communities in Kumasi once completed, including Kronum, Magazine, Tafo, and Abrepo. The project is among several infrastructure efforts under review and continuation by the Mahama-led government.
The Suame MP is yet to publicly respond to Mr. Genfi’s comments.
