By Enoch 
The Member of Parliament for Garu has expressed deep frustration over the lack of tarred roads in the district, calling for urgent government intervention to address the issue. Despite the town’s economic significance, its poor road network continues to hinder development, making transportation difficult and costly for residents.
With roads filled with potholes, dust, and erosion from frequent rains, local traders, farmers, and commuters struggle daily. Why has Garu remained overlooked in Ghana’s infrastructure projects, and what must be done to fix the problem?
The Road Crisis Affecting Garu’s Development
Garu, located in the Upper East Region, plays a vital role in agriculture, trade, and regional connectivity, yet remains one of the few districts without a single tarred road. The Garu-Bawku route, one of the busiest roads for local commerce, is plagued with deep potholes, slowing down vehicles and causing frequent breakdowns.
Major Challenges Facing Garu’s Roads
- Unpaved roads increase vehicle maintenance costs and fuel consumption.
- Transportation delays hurt local businesses, reducing market efficiency.
- Health emergencies take longer to reach hospitals due to road difficulties.
- During the rainy season, roads become muddy and almost impassable.
The lack of proper roads has forced residents to fill potholes manually, but this temporary fix is washed away by rains or destroyed by heavy trucks.
MP Calls for Immediate Government Intervention
Frustrated by the ongoing neglect, the MP for the town has made an urgent appeal to the government, demanding road projects be fast-tracked.
Key Asks from the MP and Local Leaders
- Immediate funding for road construction projects in Garu.
- Fair distribution of infrastructure budget to include rural areas.
- Fast-tracking ongoing road development proposals and ensuring timely execution.
- Engagement with construction firms to start work on the town’s most affected routes.
Many advocacy groups and community leaders have echoed this call, urging the Ministry of Roads and Highways to prioritize long-overdue infrastructure projects in Garu.
How Poor Roads Hurt Local Businesses and Agriculture
Garu’s agriculture-driven economy suffers tremendous losses due to inaccessible roads. Farmers producing maize, millet, groundnuts, and other staple crops struggle to transport goods to markets.
Economic Consequences of Bad Roads
- Higher transportation costs cut profits for farmers and traders.
- Spoiled goods due to delays in reaching markets.
- Investors hesitate to engage in Garu’s economy due to poor infrastructure.
- Limited employment opportunities as businesses suffer and expansion slows.
Better roads could open trade routes, lower transportation costs, and attract investment to the district.
What Government and Stakeholders Must Do
The solution lies in immediate government intervention, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder engagement.
Proposed Solutions to Fix Garu’s Roads
- Accelerate construction plans and commit financial resources.
- Collaborate with international development agencies for funding.
- Ensure regular road maintenance to prevent further deterioration.
- Monitor infrastructure projects to prevent delays or mismanagement.
If properly implemented, these steps could transform it, making it a strong economic hub in the Upper East Region.
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Last words
Garu’s long-overdue road development is more than just a necessity—it’s a matter of economic survival for the district. The MP’s passionate plea highlights years of neglect, calling for immediate action to end Garu’s infrastructure crisis.
With the right policies, funding, and government commitment, The town could emerge as a prosperous trade and agricultural center.
The real question remains—will the government take action, or will the town continue to suffer in isolation?
