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

Governs Kwame Agbodza, Roads Minister

Mr. Kwame Governs Agbodza is the Minister of Roads and Highways. He assured the chiefs and people of the Upper East Region about the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road.

During a visit to the project site in Bolgatanga, he emphasized government commitment. The goal is to secure funding for completion. This will provide relief to residents and boost local businesses.

Mr. Agbodza acknowledged the project's troubled history. "This project started under the Roads Fund," he said. However, changes in scope made it difficult to fund through that source.

Funding was then switched to a Commercial Facility approved by Parliament. Unfortunately, debt issues arose during this process.

He stated that the government prioritized this road as critical infrastructure. The Ministry of Finance is working on securing funds for work to resume.

"The Finance Minister is coordinating our debt restructuring," he explained. They are waiting for directions from him regarding funding.

The Minister urged contractors to continue their work on the road project. He noted that it has been a focus since 2016 or earlier.

Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, Upper East Regional Minister, praised the visit from Mr. Agbodza. He highlighted its importance for regional development and roads.

Akamugri described the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road as an international route. It connects Ghana with countries in the Sahel region.

He urged Mr. Agbodza not to disappoint local residents regarding this project. "Completing this road is essential for full infrastructure development," he stressed.

Akamugri expressed confidence in resolving local conflicts soon, which would help business growth once the road is finished.

He called on both Roads and Finance Ministers to expedite action on this project. He plans to follow up with MPs to ensure progress for Upper East Region residents.

The Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road project began in late 2016 and was expected to finish within two-and-a-half years. However, contractors left due to unpaid arrears for about a year.

Initially pegged at GH¢613 million, costs later rose to 127 million Euros for completion. Two firms were awarded contracts: Mawums Construction Limited from Ghana and Queiroz Galvao from Brazil.

After a new government took office in 2017, they repackaged and re-awarded the contract to these companies again.

Since early 2023, work on this important project has stalled completely.

The 117-kilometre 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.

This international route links Ghana with Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo, and Niger; its completion will enhance trade opportunities significantly.

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

From Anthony Adongo Apubeo, Bolgatanga
GNA