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