Gov’t determined to complete Bolga-Bawku-Pulmakom roads -Agbodza

Governs Kwame Agbodza, Roads Minister

Mr. Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Roads and Highways Minister, visited the Upper East Region. He assured local chiefs and residents that the government is committed to completing the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road.

During his visit to the project site in Bolgatanga, he emphasized sustainable funding for completion. This project aims to relieve residents and boost local businesses.

Mr. Agbodza acknowledged the project's troubled history. It began under the Roads Fund but faced funding challenges due to scope changes. Consequently, it shifted to a Commercial Facility approved by Parliament before debt issues arose.

He stated that this road is a priority for the government. The Ministry of Finance is working on securing funds for work to resume soon.

"The Finance Minister is coordinating with all parties involved," he said. "We await his directions so we can secure funds."

The Minister urged contractors to continue their work while financing issues are resolved. He noted that the government has been trying to advance this project since 2016.

Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, Upper East Regional Minister, praised Mr. Agbodza's visit as a sign of seriousness about regional development. He described the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road as an international route vital for connecting Ghana to neighboring countries.

"This road links to the Eastern Corridor Road," he explained. "Without it, our infrastructure remains incomplete."

Mr. Akamugri expressed confidence in resolving local conflicts soon and highlighted investment potential in the region. He urged both Roads and Finance Ministers to expedite action on this project.

The Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road started in late 2016 with an expected completion time of two-and-a-half years. However, contractors left due to unpaid arrears for about a year.

Initially pegged at GH¢613 million, the contract sum was later revised to 127 million Euros. The project was awarded to Mawums Construction Limited from Ghana and Queiroz Galvao from Brazil.

After a new government took office in 2017, they repackaged and re-awarded the project to these firms. Since early 2023, construction has stalled again.

This 117-kilometer road passes through six political districts in Upper East Region: Bolgatanga Municipal, Bolgatanga East District, Nabdam District, Bawku West District, Binduri District, Bawku Municipal, and Pusiga District.

Its completion will enhance internal and international trade by linking Ghana with Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo, and Niger.

Mr. Agbodza was accompanied by his deputy during his inspection of another stalled project: Bolgatanga-Sherigu-Naaga road.

From Anthony Adongo Apubeo, Bolgatanga
GNA