President John Dramani Mahama has inspected ongoing construction works on the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom Road project as part of his two-day Resetting Ghana Tour of the Upper East Region.
The President also inspected construction work on the new Zuarungu Bridge, which forms part of the major road project aimed at improving transportation and connectivity in the region.
Mahama Promises Completion of Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom Road
President Mahama said the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road had remained in poor condition for many years before his administration decided to reconstruct it during his first term.
He explained that the road is strategically important because it connects the eastern and western parts of the Upper East Region and serves as a major transportation corridor.
The project was initially awarded to Queros Galvão, a Brazilian construction company, which began work and made significant progress. However, the project was subsequently stalled after the change in government.
According to President Mahama, following investigations into the contract and related issues, the contractor was asked to secure financing to continue the project. Although financing was secured, Ghana’s economic crisis and subsequent debt defaults affected the loans, causing construction to stop again.
Government to Finance Road Project With Domestic Resources
President Mahama said that upon returning to office, he directed the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Ministry of Finance to facilitate the contractor’s return to the site.
He disclosed that the government has now terminated the previous loan arrangement and will finance the project using its own resources.
Although the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom Road is not directly classified as a Big Push project, the President described it as an associated project under the infrastructure initiative.
He explained that the contractor had been assured that certificates submitted for completed work would be paid within the Big Push payment schedule, providing the necessary cash flow to sustain construction.
President Mahama expressed optimism that the project would be completed by next year, paving the way for the commissioning of the entire Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom Road.
Road to Connect With Eastern Corridor
The President said the completed road would eventually connect to the Eastern Corridor, creating a broader road network across northern Ghana.
He explained that the planned network would connect Nakpanduri, Garu and Kulungungu, providing an alternative route to Accra and improving regional transportation and economic activity.
The proposed route would offer motorists travelling from northern Ghana an alternative corridor through areas including Garu, Nakpanduri, Gusegu, Bimbila, Hohoe, Jasikan, Adomi Bridge, Asikuma, Tema and Accra.
Mahama Commends Queros Galvão
President Mahama commended Queros Galvão for quickly mobilising its equipment and personnel back to the project site.
He also praised the company’s previous work in Ghana, including the Tamale Airport project, and urged the contractor to maintain high construction standards.
President Mahama assured the contractor that payments would be made on time to enable the project to progress and be completed within schedule.
Government Releases Funds to Road Contractor
Minister of Roads and Highways Kwami Governs Agbodza disclosed that one of the reasons the contractor previously left the project site was the non-payment of a €28 million certificate submitted for completed work.
He said the Minister of Finance was supporting the Roads and Highways Ministry to make an immediate payment of at least €8 million to provide the contractor with the liquidity needed to resume construction.
Mr Agbodza assured President Mahama that the contractor had returned to site and that the government was committed to completing the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom Road alongside other major infrastructure projects under the Big Push programme.
Source: newsthemegh.com