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Parliament has approved a request for waiver of customs duties, VAT, NHIL, EDAIF, ECOWAS Levies, and Destination Inspection Fees, as well as Withholding Taxes and other taxes and levies amounting to Seven Million Four Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Six Hundred and Eleven US Dollars on goods and services relating to the execution of the Grant Agreement between the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Government of Ghana for the rehabilitation of the National Trunk Road N8. Presenting the report of the Finance Committee on the floor of the House for the approval of the waiver, the Chairman of the Committee, James Avedzi, said the waiver which is in respect of the supply of products and services as well as equipment is to ensure the smooth execution of the project. Radio Ghana�s Dominic Hlordzi and Augustus Acquaye report that the national trunk road N8 is an important economic route connecting Accra, Kumasi and the Western economic block of the country. The road serves as an essential route for the transportation of farm products from major production centres to the ports and other parts of the country. Although the road was rehabilitated in the 90s, increased traffic and overloading have resulted in the rapid deterioration of the road. In July 2009 government entered into an agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency for the total amount of Eight Billion Three Hundred Million Japanese Yen to rehabilitate Assin Praso-Asante Bekwai section of the road. The agreement requires that government of Ghana should take the necessary steps to exempt all duties taxes and levies that may be imposes in respect of the purchase of products and services. According to the Chairman of the Finance Committee, James Avedzi, the project seeks to rehabilitate a 60 km two lane single carriage road from Assin Praso to Asante Bekwei including the reconstruction of Assin Praso bridge, replace 127 culverts and other related works. He stated that the Truck Road which is considered the golden triangle of Ghana�s economy is a major link between production areas and the country�s ports in Takoradi and Tema. However the poor state of the road is adversely affecting economic activities. The project is divided into four phases based on time period for disbursement of specific amount. The first phase which involves mobilization and execution of certain works has been completed. The entire project is expected to be completed in December 2013. Some members of the House who contributed to the approval of the waiver underscored the importance of the trunk road but urged government to reconsidered the continuous waiving of taxes and levies on goods and services for the multinational organizations who undertake projects in the country.