President John Dramani Mahama has officially cut sod for the reconstruction of the Wenchi–Sawla–Wa highway, describing the initiative as a transformational corridor that will boost trade, agriculture, and regional integration across three northern zones of the country.
Addressing chiefs, community members, officials of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, contractors and residents, President Mahama said the project forms a major component of the Big Push National Infrastructure Program under his 24-hour economy policy.
“Today, we are not just cutting sod. We are opening a new corridor of progress reconnecting regions, markets, families, and livelihoods,” President Mahama stated.
“Every part of Ghana deserves modern infrastructure, dignity and opportunity.”
The Wenchi–Sawla–Wa Road forms part of National Route N12, serving as a major transport and commercial link between Ghana and landlocked neighbors such as Burkina Faso and Mali.
The road carries between 2,000 and 2,500 vehicles daily, transporting large volumes of yams, cashew, grain and livestock across the middle belt and northern corridor.
However, its deteriorated condition has resulted in travel delays, increased transport costs and heightened security concerns.
“This is unacceptable in modern Ghana,” the President said.
“Vehicle operating costs on this stretch have risen by nearly 40 percent, and travel between Wenchi and Wa can take up to eight hours.”
Project Scope and Works
The reconstruction involves:
Complete pavement reconstruction
Road widening
Major drainage and culvert upgrades
Full asphalt surfacing
Installation of road signs, markings and guardrails
Reconstruction of township roads in Bamboi, Banda, Nkwanta, Tinga and Bole
Dualization of the road through Bole Township
Construction has been assigned to a combination of Ghanaian and international contractors, including CIWE, Polychangda Overseas Engineering, China Railway No. 5 Engineering Company, and local firm Maripoma Limited.
“This government will not tolerate delays or shoddy work,” President Mahama cautioned.
“The highest technical standards must be followed, with strict oversight from the Ghana Highway Authority.”
The project is scheduled for completion within 24 months, although contractors have pledged to finish ahead of time.
Local Employment Priority
President Mahama instructed all contractors to employ workers from the surrounding communities.
“If you need labour, take the local people,” he reiterated.
“Our youth must benefit directly from these jobs and economic opportunities.”
He further appealed to communities not to construct illegal speed ramps, stressing that they damage newly built roads.
“Ghana Will Be a Construction Site”
President Mahama reaffirmed that similar reconstruction works are set to begin nationwide.
“I repeat my appeal to Ghanaians to be patient,” he said.
“For the next two years, Ghana will be a construction site. There will be inconvenience, but when this phase is complete, our country will boast some of the best roads in West Africa.”
He added that sod-cutting for the Wa–Tumu–Navrongo Road and the Bole–Chache Road which connects to Côte d’Ivoire’s newly constructed Black Volta bridge, will follow soon.
A National Commitment
“What we are starting here today is more than a construction project. It is a covenant of hope,” President Mahama declared.
“From Wenchi to Sawla, from Bole to Wa, from Savannah to Accra, we are building Ghana road by road, bridge by bridge, community by community.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
