The Winkongo road, a critical transportation artery connecting travelers to the Upper East Regional capital, Bolgatanga, has been in a deplorable state for some years now without any given attention by Ghana Highways Authority. Apexnewsgh reports 
This vital road is the primary route for individuals entering or exiting the region, making it a crucial link for the local community and visitors alike.
Regrettably, the road’s poor condition has resulted in numerous accidents, leading to loss of lives and severe injuries over the years. The frequent incidents have raised concerns among residents, travelers, highlighting the need for urgent attention and repairs.
The deplorable state of the Winkongo road not only poses a significant risk to road users but also hinders the region’s economic growth and development. The importance of this road cannot be overstated, and it is imperative that necessary measures are taken to restore it to a safe and acceptable condition.
As Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen a Journalist with ApexnewsGh delved deeper into the investigation, a visit to the road scene revealed a dire situation.
The level of damage to the road was alarming, and the risk to innocent road users was palpable. The team observed numerous potholes scattered across the middle of the road, posing a significant threat to vehicles and innocent commuters especially pregnant women.
The potholes, some of which were quite deep, which is sometime mistaken by road users as 1 Village 1 Dam had already caused damage to several vehicles, and the fear of more accidents lingered in the air.
Road users who spoke to Mr. Ngamegbulam following the road condition expressed their frustration and anxiety about the road, citing some of the numerous accidents that had occurred on the deplorable in the past.
They expressed disappointment and frustration towards the authorities responsible for the road’s maintenance especially the Ghana Highway Authority. They further lamented the authorities’ apparent indifference and adamant attitude towards repairing the busy but risky road, despite years of pleas and complaints from road users.
It is obvious that the road users’ disappointment was palpable, and their voices echoed the sentiments of many who have been affected by the authorities’ inaction. They however questioned the reasons behind the authorities’ reluctance to address the road’s deplorable state. Unfortunately, the road users’ frustration was further compounded by the authorities’ lack of response to their concerns, leaving them feeling ignored and neglected.
Interestingly, the investigation also revealed another hazardous stretch along the same Bolga-Winkongo-Tamale Road, specifically in front of the Ghana Highway Authority Axle Load Control Limit, just after the Extee Crystal Hotel junction. This section of the road is extremely dangerous, with countless potholes and a high risk of accidents, particularly at night.
Road users who also shared their experiences with the reporter said, the numerous accidents that have occurred at the location, happened during nighttime. They further expressed frustration and disbelief that the Ghana Highways Authority has failed to address these hazards, despite being responsible for the road’s maintenance.
“The authority’s inaction is even more puzzling given the significant revenue generated from heavy trucks that use the road daily just close at the scene”. angry road user expressed
The two identified areas – the Winkongo road and the stretch in front of the Highway Authority Axle Load Control Limit – are under the jurisdiction of the Ghana Highways Authority, and road users are demanding urgent action to repair the road and ensure their safety.
Continuing the investigation, Mr. Ngamegbulam visited the regional office of the Ghana Highways to sought clarification from the Regional Ghana Highways Director, Mr. Emmanuel Antwi, regarding the authority’s plans to address the deplorable state of the Winkongo and Axle Load Control Limit roads.
However, when questioned about the actions being taken to fix the roads, Mr. Antwi acknowledged that his outfit is aware of the poor condition of the roads. He explained that the Winkongo and Axle Load roads have been “packaged and sent to the head office in Accra” as part of their request for road repairs. He further acknowledged the efforts made the Apexnewsgh.com by ensuring the deplorable roads are fixed to reduce road accidents.
The Regional Director further gave an assurance that his regional office will follow up on the request which was been forwarded to the head office to determine its status and ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out as soon as possible. While this response provides some hope for a solution, road users remain skeptical, given the prolonged neglect of the roads and the frequent promises of repair that have yet to materialize.
In 2023, the Upper East region of Ghana witnessed a alarming spike in road traffic crashes and casualties, with a 5.93% increase in reported accidents (143 cases) compared to the previous year (135 cases). The number of vehicles involved in these accidents also rose by 11.06% (from 217 to 241). Pedestrian knockdowns saw a staggering 44.44% increase (from 18 to 26 cases), while road traffic fatalities skyrocketed by 54.76% (from 42 to 65 deaths).
Notably, the poor state of the road network in the region appears to be a significant contributing factor to these crashes, highlighting the need for urgent infrastructure improvements to enhance road safety.
Recommendation
Based on the concerns raised about the deplorable state of the Wokongo and Extee Axle road, here are some recommendations for the Road Minister and the Highways Authority:
A. Conduct a thorough assessment: Send a team to assess the current state of the road, identify the causes of the deterioration, and determine the necessary repairs.
B. Emergency repairs: Undertake emergency repairs to make the road safe for users, including filling potholes, repairing damaged sections, and improving drainage.
C. Install safety measures: Install safety measures such as warning signs, speed bumps, and reflective markers to alert drivers to the hazardous conditions.
By implementing these recommendations, the Road Minister and the Highways Authority can take concrete steps to address the concerns raised about the Wokongo and Extee Axle road and work towards providing safer and more reliable road infrastructure for all users.
Conclusion
ApexnewsGh is urging the Minister of Roads and the Ghana Highways Authority to give immediate attention to the Winkongo and Axle load control limit road, which is in dire need of repair and maintenance to help preserve the lives of innocent road users.
Check some of the photo footages capture at the scene:
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
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