Bolgatanga: Mr. Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minister for Roads and Highways, has assured the chiefs and people of the Upper East Region of the government's commitment to completing the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road. During a working visit to the project site in Bolgatanga, the Minister emphasized the government's dedication to securing sustainable funding to bring relief to residents and boost businesses.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Agbodza highlighted the challenges faced by the project, which began under the Roads Fund but later required a Commercial Facility due to changes in its scope. The project, initially funded by the Roads Fund, encountered difficulties when the funding source was shifted, leading to delays exacerbated by the nation's debt issues. Despite these challenges, the government has prioritized the road as a critical infrastructure project, with the Ministry of Finance actively seeking funds to resume construction.
The Minister assured contractors that the road holds significant importance for the government, which has been pursuing its completion since 2016. He encouraged them to maintain their efforts while financial arrangements are finalized. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the road's strategic importance as an international artery connecting Ghana to the Sahelian region. He urged the Roads Minister to fulfill the government's promise to the residents.
Mr. Akamugri stressed the road's role in complementing the Eastern Corridor Road, stating that its completion is vital for the region's infrastructure network. He expressed optimism about resolving the Bawku conflict, which would further enhance the region's investment potential and local economy. He called on the Ministers of Roads and Finance to expedite the project and pledged to collaborate with Members of Parliament to ensure governmental action.
The Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road project, which commenced in late 2016 with an initial contract sum of GHS613 million later revised to 127 million Euros, was awarded to Mawums Construction Limited from Ghana and Queiroz Galvao from Brazil. Despite its expected completion within two-and-a-half years, work has stalled since early 2023 due to financial constraints.
The 117-kilometre road traverses six political districts in the Upper East Region, linking Ghana to neighboring countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo, and Niger. Its completion is expected to enhance both internal and international trade. Mr. Agbodza, accompanied by his deputy, Mr. Alhassan Suhuyini, also inspected the stalled Bolgatanga-Sherigu-Naaga road, highlighting the government's broader infrastructure commitments.
