- Roads Minister pledges commitment to Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road
- Government seeks sustainable funding to resume stalled project
- Project restructured after initial financing issues
Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road. During a working visit to the project site in Bolgatanga, the Minister assured traditional leaders and residents of the Upper East Region that the government is focused on securing sustainable funding to ensure the project’s completion. He emphasized that the road’s completion would significantly benefit residents and local businesses.
“We all know the history of this project—it’s one of those unfortunate cases,” Mr. Agbodza remarked. “It initially started under the Roads Fund, but the scope changed rapidly, making it unfeasible to fund through that channel. Parliament later approved funding through a commercial facility, but unfortunately, work was disrupted by the debt crisis.”
The Minister explained that the project is among the government’s critical infrastructure priorities. He noted that the Ministry of Finance is actively working to secure the necessary funds to resume full construction. “The Finance Minister is engaging all stakeholders involved in our debt restructuring efforts. We’re awaiting his direction so we can proceed with securing funds to complete the road,” he stated.
Speaking directly to the contractors, Mr. Agbodza emphasized the strategic importance of the road, adding, “That’s why the government has remained committed to it since 2016 or earlier. We encourage you to stay the course while we resolve the financing issues.”
Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, highlighted that the Roads Minister’s visit demonstrated the government’s serious commitment to the region’s development. He described the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road as “the heartbeat” of the region, serving as an international route connecting Ghana to the Sahel region.
“This road links to the Eastern Corridor Road, and its completion is crucial to the entire road infrastructure. Without it, even the Eastern Corridor Road remains incomplete,” Mr. Akamugri stressed.
He noted the region’s untapped investment potential and expressed optimism that the Bawku conflict would be resolved, allowing for further economic growth once the road is completed. He urged both the Roads and Finance Ministers to expedite the process, promising to work with local Members of Parliament to push for action.
The Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom project commenced in late 2016 and was originally slated for completion within two and a half years. However, construction was halted for about a year due to unpaid arrears, prompting contractors to withdraw equipment from the site.
The initial contract was valued at GH¢613 million but was later revised to 127 million Euros. The project was awarded to two companies: Ghanaian firm Mawums Construction Limited and Brazilian firm Queiroz Galvao. After a change in government in 2017, the contract was restructured and re-awarded to the same companies. Despite this, construction has stalled since early 2023.
Spanning 117 kilometers, the road passes through six political districts in the Upper East Region: Bolgatanga Municipal, Bolgatanga East, Nabdam, Bawku West, Binduri, Bawku Municipal, and Pusiga. It also connects Ghana to Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo, and Niger, making it a key route for internal and international trade.
During his visit, Mr. Agbodza, accompanied by his deputy Mr. Alhassan Suhuyini, also inspected the Bolgatanga-Sherigu-Naaga road, another project currently on hold.
