By Zobia Zulfqar 
President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his government’s commitment to connecting all regional capitals in Ghana with good roads as part of efforts to improve transportation, strengthen connectivity and support economic activities across the country.
President Mahama said the government’s Big Push road programme had been designed to prioritise major roads linking regional capitals while ensuring that important district roads also received attention.
He made the statement during an inspection of ongoing construction works on the Chuchuliga-Chiana section of the Chuchuliga-Tumu-Wa road as part of his two-day working visit to the Upper East Region.
The President said the road project was important because it would strengthen the connection between the Upper East and Upper West regions and improve movement between communities along the route.
The 260-kilometre road stretches across the Upper East and Upper West regions. When completed, it is expected to ease transportation and improve connectivity between the two regions.
President Mahama explained that the route was particularly important for travellers moving between Bolgatanga and Wa through Tumu.
He noted that the road served as an important transportation corridor for people travelling between communities in the two regions and would support the movement of goods and services once construction was completed.
The President said the government was committed to ensuring that major road projects were completed to improve the country’s transportation network.
He also indicated that the government was taking steps to ensure that road infrastructure was distributed beyond regional capitals to major districts and other communities that play important roles in local economic activities.
According to President Mahama, improving roads was important not only for transportation but also for economic development. Reliable road networks help farmers move agricultural produce to markets, allow traders to transport goods and improve access to schools, health facilities and other essential services.
The Chuchuliga-Tumu-Wa road is therefore expected to have an impact on communities along its route by improving access and reducing difficulties associated with travelling on poor roads.
President Mahama said the entire stretch from Navrongo through Chuchuliga and Tumu to Wa had been divided into different lots and awarded to contractors.
He noted that the Chuchuliga lot was being constructed by MyTurn Construction.
The President recalled that the government had first cut the sod for the project in 2016 during his previous administration. However, he said work on the project later stalled after his government left office.
He expressed satisfaction that construction had resumed under the current administration and was being implemented as part of the Big Push Programme.
“I remember that in 2016 we cut the sod for this project, but we left office and unfortunately the progress of work came to a halt,” President Mahama said.
He added that he was therefore pleased to return to the area and see work progressing on the project.
The President’s inspection forms part of his broader engagement with communities in the Upper East Region during his two-day working visit.
The visit provides an opportunity for the government to assess ongoing development projects, interact with residents and communicate its plans for infrastructure and economic development in the region.
Road construction remains a major part of the government’s infrastructure agenda, particularly because of the role roads play in connecting communities and facilitating economic activity.
For residents in the Upper East and Upper West regions, improved road infrastructure is expected to make transportation easier and reduce travel difficulties.
The completion of the road could also strengthen commercial links between regional centres and communities along the route.
Farmers and traders are among those expected to benefit from better road connections because improved transportation infrastructure makes it easier to move agricultural produce and other goods to larger markets.
The project is also expected to improve access to public services by making it easier for residents to travel between communities and regional centres.
President Mahama’s commitment to linking regional capitals with good roads forms part of a wider effort to improve Ghana’s road network and address infrastructure gaps.
The Big Push Programme is expected to support major infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity and creating conditions for stronger economic activity.
The President said the government would continue to focus on road projects that have strategic importance for communities, districts and regions.
As construction continues on the Chuchuliga-Tumu-Wa corridor, residents will be looking forward to the completion of the various sections of the project.
President Mahama’s inspection signals continued government attention to the project and reinforces his administration’s commitment to improving road connectivity across Ghana.
The eventual completion of the 260-kilometre route is expected to strengthen the link between the Upper East and Upper West regions and improve the movement of people and goods across the two regions.
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