British Actress Among Three Charged After $296 Million Meth Seizure Linked to Ghanaian Shipment in Australia
Australian authorities have charged three people, including a British actress, after intercepting about 320 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a shipment from Ghana, an operation that prevented drugs worth an estimated A$296 million from flooding Australian streets. Emaa Hussen, 34, known for roles in an EastEnders spin-off and a Jason Statham film, was arrested and appeared in a Sydney court on Thursday. She faces charges of attempting to import a commercial quantity of methamphetamine into Australia and was previously denied bail after being charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, an offence that can result in life imprisonment. The case began in April 2026, when Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at Sydney’s Port Botany detected irregularities in two shipping containers arriving from Ghana. Declared as bags of charcoal, the containers were subjected to x-ray scans, revealing a white crystalline substance. Initial tests confirmed it was methamphetamine, and further forensic examination verified that the consignment contained approximately 320 kilograms of the illicit drug. In a controlled operation, authorities removed the drugs but allowed the shipment to proceed to a storage facility in Girraween on April 20, 2026. There, investigators allege Hussen supervised a group of men as they unpacked the container. Some of the bags were then loaded into a vehicle and taken to a house in Blacktown. Shortly afterward, Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers executed a search warrant at the Blacktown property, arresting Hussen and seizing 32 bags allegedly used to conceal the meth, along with electronic devices and a notebook now undergoing forensic analysis. The investigation quickly expanded. In South Australia, AFP officers executed a search warrant at an Oakden residence on April 30, 2026. There they arrested a 30-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man, accusing them of trying to rent storage units in Sydney with false identities to facilitate the illegal operation. Both appeared before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on May 1, 2026, charged with dealing in identification information to aid drug possession and failing to comply with a court order under the Crimes Act. They were remanded in custody and are scheduled to reappear in court on September 2, 2026. AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Trevor Robinson said authorities were still working to identify the full network behind the attempted importation. “This operation highlights the agility of the AFP and our partners to investigate complex matters across jurisdictions and stop organised crime syndicates in their tracks,” Robinson stated. He emphasized that the seizure, which equates to an estimated 3.2 million street deals, demonstrates the AFP’s ability to operate seamlessly across borders. ABF Superintendent Jared Leighton commended the vigilance of border officers in detecting increasingly sophisticated smuggling tactics. “Criminal syndicates will go to great lengths to disguise illicit drugs, including embedding them in everyday goods like charcoal, but our highly skilled officers are trained to see beyond these attempts,” he said. Leighton stressed the importance of close collaboration with law enforcement partners to hold traffickers accountable and protect Australian communities. Investigations into the broader network and the origins of the shipment remain ongoing. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Education Minister Warns of Strain on GETFund as Nearly Half of 2026 Budget Allocated to Free SHS and Student Feeding
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has sounded a note of caution regarding the sustainability of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), revealing that almost half of its 2026 budget has been committed to supporting the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme, with a significant share going toward student feeding. Speaking before Parliament on Thursday, June 18, Minister Iddrisu disclosed that 42 percent of GETFund’s locally generated revenue is now earmarked for Free SHS, a trend he believes could jeopardize the Fund’s ability to fulfill its wider educational responsibilities. He explained that the increasing reliance on GETFund resources, particularly for school feeding, risks crowding out investments in crucial areas such as educational infrastructure, basic education, and other strategic initiatives. Minister Iddrisu urged lawmakers to reconsider the current financing framework. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that GETFund remains focused on its core mandate: strengthening foundational learning, especially in literacy and numeracy. According to him, these foundational skills are essential for improving long-term educational outcomes across Ghana. He advocated for a review of the existing funding arrangement, arguing that this would help preserve resources for infrastructure expansion and key educational programmes, while still supporting efforts to improve learning at the basic education level. The minister’s remarks came during a wider parliamentary debate on education financing and the sustainability of major government interventions. During the discussion, Abena Osei-Asare, the Member of Parliament for Atiwa East, echoed these concerns. She questioned the decision to channel such a large share of GETFund resources into student feeding, arguing that this expenditure falls outside the Fund’s primary mandate. Osei-Asare warned that dedicating so much of the Fund’s revenue to feeding programmes could reduce the amount available for core investments like school infrastructure. The debate highlighted growing concerns among policymakers about how to best balance the competing funding needs of the Free SHS programme, infrastructure development, and foundational education initiatives. Established to drive educational progress across Ghana, the GETFund has traditionally financed projects such as school buildings, scholarships, and programmes aimed at expanding access to quality education. The current debate signals a renewed focus on ensuring that the Fund can continue to meet these crucial objectives in the years ahead. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Kennedy Agyapong Defends Outspokenness Amid NPP Criticism, Vows to Keep Fighting for Accountability
Former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has firmly pushed back against mounting criticism from within his own New Patriotic Party (NPP), declaring that he will not be silenced in his quest to promote good governance and accountability. Agyapong’s latest controversy stems from his outspoken comments on the stalled Afari Military Hospital project. On Net 2 TV, he openly criticized the previous NPP administration for failing to complete and operationalize the hospital during its eight years in power, a move that sparked backlash from some party supporters. Addressing his critics, Agyapong rejected claims that his remarks were fueled by personal grudges or disappointment over past political events. He insisted his motivation is a deep commitment to national development and transparency. “Attempts to portray me as bitter will not stop me from raising issues that are in the public interest,” he asserted. Agyapong went further, questioning the progress of other flagship government initiatives such as the Agenda 111 hospital programme, and alleging irregularities in the award and execution of public contracts. He warned party members not to dismiss his concerns lightly, cautioning that continued attacks on his character could lead him to reveal even more about internal activities within the political establishment. The former lawmaker maintained that questionable practices in public contracting are not unique to any one party, asserting that such challenges have persisted across the political spectrum. For Agyapong, corruption remains a stubborn obstacle to Ghana’s progress, and he emphasized the need for political leaders to be held accountable, regardless of which party they belong to. Kennedy Agyapong concluded by reaffirming his unwavering resolve to speak out on issues affecting the country’s development. He made it clear that criticism, whether from political opponents or his own party, will not intimidate him into silence. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Controller and Accountant-General Unveils Plan to Recover Student Loan Debts from 4,000 Public Sector Workers
At the launch of the 20th anniversary celebrations for the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), Controller and Accountant-General Kwesi Agyei made a significant revelation: nearly 4,000 public sector employees currently on the government payroll have outstanding student loan debts. Addressing the assembled audience, Mr. Agyei explained that his department is now partnering with the SLTF to develop a more robust system for recovering these loans. The plan, he revealed, is to implement payroll deductions, ensuring that repayments are made directly from the salaries of beneficiaries who work in the public sector. Mr. Agyei emphasized the importance of strengthening loan repayment mechanisms to safeguard the sustainability of the student loan scheme. “Ensuring that loans are repaid is the only way the Fund can continue to support future generations of students,” he noted, highlighting the revolving nature of the Fund. According to Mr. Agyei, the partnership between the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) and the SLTF will make it easier to identify public sector workers who are beneficiaries of the student loan scheme, and to recover outstanding debts efficiently through the government payroll platform. He further explained that, once all necessary legal and regulatory frameworks are in place, the loan repayments could become statutory deductions, just like PAYE taxes and SSNIT contributions. This, he said, will improve compliance and streamline the recovery process for the SLTF. Discussions on the details of the arrangement, he disclosed, will soon begin between the CAGD and the Student Loan Trust Fund. Mr. Agyei expressed confidence that the initiative will not only strengthen loan recovery efforts, but also protect the integrity of the Fund and ensure that more students can continue to benefit from financial support for higher education. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Executive Director of T-More Enterprise, Mr. Thomas More, Reveals the Hidden Struggles of Local Contractors in Nabdam District
During the commissioning and handover ceremony of a newly built 10-seater pour-flush toilet and a mechanized borehole with a 5-unit shower system at Pelingu, an initiative spearheaded by the Member of Parliament for Nabdam, Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, Mr. Thomas More, Executive Director of T-More Enterprise, shared a candid account of the challenges he faces as a local contractor working in rural communities. Speaking at the short ceremony, Mr. More took the opportunity to reveal the behind-the-scenes realities that local contractors endure. He began by pointing out a deep-rooted issue: while projects are carried out in the district, very few local Nabdam people hold key positions in the assembly. “If you go to the assembly now, how many of you are Nabdams?” he asked. “The coordinating director might not be a Nabdam, the finance officer might not be a Nabdam, and the community health workers are not always Nabdams either.” This, Mr. More explained, means that apart from a few opportunities. such as hiring a local contractor or providing accommodation, locals often gain little else from the projects executed in their own communities. Mr. More delved into the difficulties of securing labor and resources. He described how the proliferation of contracts in the region has driven up labor costs and made skilled workers scarce. “Labor has become very difficult to come by, and very expensive,” he lamented. Skilled workers are constantly in demand, and contractors often find themselves waiting weeks or even months before someone becomes available. “When the assembly finally pays you, you can’t even find electricians to come and work,” he recounted, highlighting the labor shortages that delay projects. He painted a vivid picture of the struggle to secure essential services. Mr. More shared how he had to rely on a generator for weeks while waiting for electricity to be connected to a recently completed project. “The demand for electricity is so high that applications pile up for months,” he explained, and some people resort to hiring unofficial workers just to get connected. Another challenge lies in the economics of labor. With contract work more lucrative than traditional farming, many young people are abandoning agriculture in favor of construction work, yet even then, the returns are modest. “How many bags of maize will you get for this farm? Multiply that by 300 cedis, and that is what you’ll get in one day,” he observed, underscoring why so few are willing to return to the fields or take on physically demanding jobs for contractors. Mr. More also spoke about the frustrating unpredictability of payments for completed work. He described how delays in assembly payments force contractors to suspend operations and sometimes leave workers unpaid for months. “If they take three or four months before paying me, it doesn’t matter,” he said, “I have seven people depending on me.” Despite these hardships, Mr. More expressed gratitude for being given the chance to deliver such projects to his community and called for greater support for local contractors. He appealed to policymakers and community leaders to encourage residents to construct toilets in their homes and to prioritize local involvement in development projects. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Uncovering the Challenges of Isaac Adongo’s Grinding Mill Projects
Development projects led by Members of Parliament (MPs) are often viewed as lifelines for communities, bridging the gap between local needs and national resources. Beyond their constitutional roles of legislation and oversight, MPs like Hon. Isaac Adongo of Bolgatanga Central have taken on direct intervention projects to address pressing grassroots issues and promote equitable resource distribution. One such intervention, the grinding mill project spearheaded by Hon. Adongo, was envisioned as a beacon of economic empowerment and relief for rural communities. Funded through the MP’s District Assembly Common Fund, the initiative set out to benefit fifteen communities by providing grinding mills to ease economic hardship and support local livelihoods. However, a recent findings by Apexnewsgh has revealed troubling challenges threatening the project’s success. In early June 2026, Apexnewsgh visited nine out of the fifteen beneficiary communities to assess the state of the grinding mill projects. The findings were sobering: all sites visited were either inactive or completely non-operational, each facing unique but significant obstacles. Common issues included: Locked and unused facilities Incomplete machinery installation Mismatched or missing machine parts Lack of electricity supply Buildings without grinding mills or with uninstalled equipment In several cases, facilities stood empty or had equipment that was never commissioned. For instance, at one site, the utility pole intended for power supply lay uninstalled on the ground. At others, critical machine parts were missing or incompatible, rendering the mills unusable from the outset. Community members and Assembly member expressed deep frustration. In Sumbrungu-Atoobisi, Assembly member Hon. Azure Samuel lamented his exclusion from the project’s planning and implementation, highlighting a lack of stakeholder engagement and gaps in accountability. “I have nothing to say because I was not carried along as a community leader,” he said, voicing a sentiment echoed in other communities. The investigation painted a picture of locked doors, silent machines, and mounting disillusionment, a far cry from the promise of economic empowerment. Detailed Findings by Community Sumbrungu-Nyobongo: Facility connected to electricity and fitted with a meter, but not yet linked to the grinding mill. The community awaits final electrical connections; the facility remains locked. Amogrebisi (Atoobisi Electoral Area): Building connected to power and metered, but locked and non-operational. Assembly member unable to give account of the project in his commutiy because he was not consulted on the project. Sumbrungu Akuka Women’s Centre: Machines and electricity are in place, but the motor was yet to be not installed as at the day Apexnewsgh visited. The entrance is secured with stones instead of locks, raising concerns about security and maintenance. Azorobisi: Facility operated only briefly at commissioning before a mechanical fault was detected. Since then, it has remained closed and unused. Kolgo Aguusi: Grinding mill non-operational; community members say parts are faulty and require replacement, despite electricity being connected. Kunbangre: No power connection, no electric meter installed, and the utility pole remains on the ground. The building is painted but unused. Sherigu-Baseongo: Building connected to power, but the grinding mill machine was never installed as at the day Apexnewsgh visited.. Dorongo-Aperika: We observed that the building was powered and metered, but grinding machine parts are mismatched and separated, leaving the machine inoperable. Tindonmolgo: Facility appears ready, with power and meter in place, but remains non-operational as the community plans a meeting to address usage before the official launch. It is important to note that Apexnewsgh was able to visit only nine out of the fifteen planned beneficiary communities; the operational status of grinding mill facilities in the remaining six communities could not be verified. MP’s Response and Acknowledgement Following weeks of findings, Apexnewsgh met Hon. Isaac Adongo during repair efforts at Dorongo-Aperika, where he personally supervised the matching of machine parts and ensured electricity credit was purchased to facilitate repairs. Hon. Adongo explained that while community members were familiar with grinding mill operation, incompatible replacement parts had stalled progress. He pledged to see the machine operational before leaving. Looking ahead, Hon. Adongo identified the need for comprehensive operator training across all fifteen communities, stressing that each grinding mill required specific operational skills. He called on suppliers to offer in-depth training for local operators, ensuring sustainability and effective use of the facilities. Addressing challenges in Baseongo and Kunbangre, the MP cited site preparation delays and electricity access issues, sometimes caused by land disputes and the need for additional infrastructure. On funding and transparency, he clarified that the project was funded from his common fund in partnership with the district assembly, which maintains detailed financial records. The project’s total cost, according to credible sources, stands at GHS 1,334,443.90, with each unit, including structure, electrification, supply, and installation, costing GHS 88,962.93. Responding to concerns about the exclusion of Assembly members like Hon. Azure Samuel, Hon. Adongo acknowledged the oversight, promising to involve such leaders in future engagements and ensure greater stakeholder inclusion. Recommendations for Project Success To overcome these challenges and realize the grinding mill project’s original goal, the following recommendations are proposed: Strengthen Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Involve Assembly members, community leaders, and local groups in planning, implementation, and monitoring. Regularly update communities on project status and address concerns promptly. Establish a project committee in each community to oversee operations and gather feedback. Complete Installation and Commissioning Conduct a comprehensive audit of all sites to identify incomplete installations and faulty machinery. Work with suppliers and technicians to ensure all machines are properly installed, tested, and commissioned before handover. Resolve Power Supply and Infrastructure Issues Liaise with the Volta River Authority (VRA) for timely power connections. Address issues such as uninstalled utility poles or delayed electrification urgently. Consider alternative power solutions where grid connection is not feasible. Provide Comprehensive Operator Training Organize hands-on training sessions for local operators, tailored to the specific machinery installed. Ensure training covers troubleshooting, maintenance, and safe operation. Establish Routine Maintenance and Rapid Response Mechanisms Set up regular inspection and servicing schedules. Develop clear fault-reporting and rapid repair processes. Allocate a small fund for emergency repairs and spare parts. Promote Transparency and Community Ownership Publicize
Ghana Secures $300 Million World Bank Support to Transform Secondary Education
In what looks like a major boost for Ghana’s educational reform agenda, the Ministry of Education has announced that the World Bank has approved a US$300 million financing package to support the implementation of the Transformative Secondary Education for Access, Results and Relevance for Jobs (STARR-J) Project. Unveiled in a statement on June 16, 2026, the ministry revealed that the STARR-J Project aims to strengthen the country’s secondary education system by widening access, enhancing quality and relevance, and tackling infrastructure challenges that have emerged with the expansion of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. A key focus of the new project is the government’s pledge to end the double-track system in senior high schools nationwide, a system introduced to accommodate increased enrolment under the Free SHS programme. Through targeted investments in school infrastructure, improved learning environments, and greater operational efficiency, the government expects that by 2027, no secondary school in Ghana will operate under the double-track arrangement. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu described the World Bank’s approval as a transformative investment in Ghana’s youth and future workforce. “This initiative will expand learning opportunities, improve school conditions, better align secondary education with the needs of the labour market, and address the infrastructure deficit linked to Free SHS,” he said. The Ministry of Education extended its gratitude to World Bank Country Director Robert Taliercio O’Brien, the World Bank education team, and the Ministry of Finance, led by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, for their instrumental support in securing the funding. According to the ministry, the STARR-J Project underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to providing equitable access to quality secondary education, and to preparing students with the knowledge and skills they need for a rapidly changing world. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire Join Forces to Harmonise Cocoa Pricing, Boost Farmers’ Incomes
Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s two leading cocoa producers, have taken a historic step to harmonise their cocoa producer pricing policies. This landmark agreement aims to improve the livelihoods of millions of cocoa farmers, strengthen market stability, and foster deeper cooperation between the two nations. The announcement came from Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, following the 7th Meeting of the Steering Committee of the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI), held in Abidjan on June 16, 2026. Presenting the committee’s conclusions, Dr. Forson revealed that both countries would adopt measures to align farm gate prices, ensuring that cocoa farmers on both sides of the border receive comparable incomes for their crops. Key elements of the agreement include enhanced collaboration between trading rooms, increased sharing of market data, and the harmonisation of cocoa crop calendars. By aligning the principles used to set cocoa prices, the two countries hope to reduce disparities in producer prices and eliminate cross-border price differentials that have historically contributed to smuggling and market instability. To turn this vision into reality, a technical task force made up of experts from both countries will be established. Their mission: to develop a coordinated pricing framework and periodically review producer prices to keep them fair and competitive. Another significant milestone is the agreement to harmonise cocoa crop calendars, with the cocoa year now set to run from September 1 to August 31, starting with the 2026/2027 season. This synchronisation is expected to streamline market operations and make price management more efficient. The steering committee, co-chaired by Dr. Forson and Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Agriculture, Bruno Nabagné Koné, reaffirmed its commitment to long-term coordination in cocoa price management and marketing. The meeting also explored avenues for scientific cooperation, sustainable cocoa production, and regional collaboration, all with the goal of building a more resilient and prosperous cocoa sector. Together, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire account for more than half of global cocoa output. By working hand in hand, they are not only improving the welfare of their farmers but also setting a new course for stability and sustainability in the world cocoa market. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Upper East Region Sees Boom in Schools, Health Projects, and 24-Hour Markets—Jonathan Abdallah Salifu
A wave of transformative development is sweeping through the Upper East Region, as the government’s new approach to infrastructure and social services begins to take hold at the district level. Jonathan Abdallah Salifu, Upper East Regional Communication Officer for the NDC, recently shared an inside look at how hospitals, CHIPS compounds, schools, and market projects are being rolled out like never before. According to the Regional Communication Officer, the rules have changed for the better. District assemblies are now tasked with building two schools and two CHIPS compounds every year using the District Assembly Common Fund, and, crucially, they must now provide furniture for every new classroom. “We don’t want a situation where school blocks are put up and the issue of furniture becomes a problem,” he explained. Now, when a school or CHIPS compound is built, it’s also furnished, which explains the higher price tags on recent contracts. Efforts have also intensified to tackle water shortages, with additional boreholes and water systems being installed under the assemblies’ watch. The regional minister himself has crisscrossed all districts, cutting sod for landmark projects like the much-anticipated 24-hour markets. “The region has enjoyed over 115 projects, which is unprecedented,” Jonathan said. “It has never happened before.” Education, too, is getting a major boost. Almost every senior high school is receiving infrastructure upgrades. Schools like Navrongo Senior High (NAVASCO), which has long needed a proper fence wall, are finally seeing that dream materialize, with a brand-new 18-unit classroom block thrown in. Other schools, from Sandema to Bawku, are also enjoying facelifts, new blocks, and better facilities, thanks to support from GETFund and local government. Even entirely new schools are being built, complete with dormitories, teachers’ accommodation, dining and assembly halls, and modern WASH facilities. The new 24-hour markets are another feather in the region’s cap. Every district has received land for these markets, and contractors are already hard at work. Funding is transparent and reliable: 25% of each district’s common fund is set aside for these projects, a stark contrast to previous initiatives whose funding sources were often unclear by the NPP administration. Meanwhile, the University for Development Studies (UDS) is making strides toward a fully operational medical school. Key auxiliary departments are already running, and recruitment is on for more lecturers. For now, the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital will serve as a teaching facility, with future upgrades planned to meet the medical school’s requirements. Mr.Jonathan took pride in these achievements, noting that all this has happened within just a year and a half of the NDC’s administration. “If you ask any of our political opponents what they achieved in one and a half years, they cannot mention,” he said. He commended the president, the MPs, and all stakeholders pushing tirelessly for development, often working behind the scenes and facing criticism for the sake of their constituents. Mr. Jonathan also called for constructive criticism of MPs. “They should be criticized positively,” he urged, lamenting that some critics attack MPs simply for belonging to the opposite party. In contrast, he sees the region’s MPs as responsive and hardworking, always striving to bring more progress home. He believes, the Upper East Region is experiencing an era of record-breaking development: stronger schools, better healthcare, new markets, and a collaborative spirit between government and people. The future, it seems, is brighter than ever. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC’s Jonathan Abdallah Salifu Shares Real Update on Upper East Region Road Infrastructure
Jonathan Abdallah Salifu, the Upper East Regional Communication Officer of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), has given a candid account of the state of road infrastructure in the Upper East Region, painting a vivid picture of both the challenges and ongoing efforts to improve the situation. Jonathan began by acknowledging what everyone in the region knows: “When it comes to road infrastructure, the Upper East is lagging behind.” The region’s most important highway, the Bolga-Tamale Road, is in poor condition. Built over twenty years ago by President Rawlings, the road has outlived its lifespan, yet residents continue to make do with its deteriorating state. According to Jonathan, the previous government under President Akufo-Addo had made attempts to address the issue by awarding a dualization and bitumen resurfacing contract to an Indian contractor. However, after mobilizing with $25 million and bringing equipment near Savulgu, the contractor disappeared, leaving the equipment behind and the project abandoned. The road minister, upon visiting the region, promised to follow up on the contract and hinted at possibly including the project in the government’s ambitious “Big Push” agenda. This, at least, offered the region a glimmer of hope. Turning to the Bolga-Bawku Road, Jonathan recalled how funding for its construction was sourced from two London-based banks during President Akufo-Addo’s tenure. Unfortunately, work stalled around 2022-2023, largely due to Ghana’s debt restructuring program. Contractors, uncertain about payments, withdrew from the site. In response, Jonathan himself organized a press conference, laying out the facts and figures behind the stalling of the project. There was renewed hope when Hon. Isaac Adongo announced that the funding had been reinstated after meetings in London during an IMF program. The Finance Minister echoed this optimism, stating that the banks had agreed to continue funding not only the Bolga-Bawku Road but also other projects across the country. However, delays persisted as the banks sought to renegotiate terms, causing further setbacks. Jonathan recounted how construction resumed briefly, with contractors even working on a key bridge, but further legal and financial clarifications were needed. Meanwhile, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, while launching another project in Bawku, assured the public that negotiations with the banks were ongoing and that work was expected to resume soon. The conversation then shifted to the Kuala Bridge, a critical but dangerous crossing along the Bolga East route. Jonathan shared concerns from community members about the bridge’s hazardous condition, questioning why local leaders couldn’t implement a temporary fix. He explained the complexities of road contracts, once a project is awarded, making independent changes can be challenging. He pointed that the regional minister had attempted a temporary solution, but community resistance, fueled by demands for a permanent bitumen surface, halted progress. Jonathan noted that the Bolga East MP Dr. Dominic Ayine, who also serves as Attorney General, was quietly working behind the scenes to resolve the issue, expressing confidence in his capabilities. Jonathan also highlighted the efforts of other MPs in the region. The Nabdam MP Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, for example, has been pushing the road ministry to resume work on several abandoned roads, such as the Asonge-Zanlerigu-Damolgo-Pelingu Road (awarded in 2023 but quickly abandoned) and the Nangodi-Yankuti-Pelingu Road (awarded in 2018 and left incomplete). The MP is seeking new commitments from the ministry to either repackage these projects for different contractors or secure stronger assurances from the current ones. There was better news for the Tongo-Sheega-Pelingu Road, a 12.5-kilometer stretch that had recently seen a contractor move to site to begin mapping and preparation for full construction. Similarly, the Navrongo-Naga-Kolugu Road, a key route connecting major educational institutions, was set for a revival after the MP announced that the contractor’s payments had been settled, paving the way for work to resume soon. Within Bawku township, Hon. Mahama Ayariga announced a 30-million-cedi investment to improve three major areas, further signaling progress in the region. Hon. Isaac Adongo was also credited with securing funding for the Ojam Junction to Kalbeo stretch, with contractors actively working on site offices. Jonathan concluded by emphasizing the importance of keeping the public informed and maintaining optimism. “Even though we wish we had already completed many of these roads, we’re not disappointed,” he said. “A year and a half into office, these are our achievements.” He also highlighted the “Big Push” roads from Navrongo to Tumu and Wa, noting that significant portions were already usable, giving travelers hope and prompting widespread praise for the government’s efforts. While the Upper East Region continues to face significant challenges in road infrastructure, Jonathan Abdallah Salifu’s update reveals a region in transition, marked by setbacks, determined advocacy, and cautious optimism for the future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com