President John Dramani Mahama has inspected ongoing works on the Navrongo–Chuchuliga–Tumu road project in the Upper East Region, reaffirming his government’s commitment to completing critical road infrastructure under the Big Push programme.
The inspection formed part of the President’s first-day activities during his Resetting Ghana Tour of the Upper East Region.
President Mahama said the road was strategically important because it provides a major link between the Upper East and Upper West Regions, connecting travellers from Bolgatanga through Tumu to Wa.
“This road is very important because it links the Upper East and Upper West Regions. If you are travelling from Bolgatanga to Wa, this is the route you take through Tumu all the way to Wa,” he said.
The President explained that the entire stretch from Navrongo to Wa had been divided into several lots and awarded to different contractors, with the particular section inspected being undertaken by MyTurn Construction.
He recalled that the project was initiated during his previous administration, with the sod-cutting ceremony held in 2016. However, he said work stalled after his government left office.
“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 expressed satisfaction that the project had now been revived under the Big Push programme, which he described as a priority infrastructure initiative backed by annual budgetary allocations.
“As we have said, the Big Push roads are priority roads, and budgetary allocations are made every year for them. Therefore, payment is not a problem,” he stated.
President Mahama assured contractors working on Big Push projects that certified works would be paid for within 30 days.
“As soon as certificates are presented, payment is guaranteed within 30 days. Contractors receive their money and can return to work,” he said.
He commended MyTurn Construction for its experience and competence, while also acknowledging the company’s current leadership following the death of its founder.
“We know that MyTurn is a competent contractor and has been working for many years. Unfortunately, the original owner of the company passed away. But I am happy to see that his sister, who took over the company, is equally competent,” the President said.
President Mahama further commended the company for being among the few construction firms managed by a woman, encouraging its leadership to maintain the quality and pace of work.
He urged the contractor to complete the project on schedule, noting that successful completion could position the company to benefit from additional opportunities under the second phase of the Big Push programme.
“If you finish this project, we are moving into Phase Two of the Big Push. If you finish quickly, you can have another bite of the cake if you complete the work on time,” he said.
The President said engineers had assured him that construction was progressing according to schedule and expressed the hope that the project would be completed in time for commissioning next year.
He further set an ambitious target for the entire road corridor, expressing hope that the full stretch from Navrongo to Wa would be completed by 2028.
“It is my hope that by 2028, the entire stretch from here to Wa will have been completed. When we are driving from Bolgatanga to Wa, we should have a very smooth road to travel on,” he said.
President Mahama reiterated that one of the government’s key objectives under the Big Push was to connect all regional capitals with reliable road networks, while improving major roads in selected districts.
“Our intention is to link all the regional capitals to one another with good roads. In addition, some of the major districts will also receive road improvements,” he said.
He assured residents of the Upper East Region that the roads selected under the first phase of the Big Push were only the beginning of a broader infrastructure programme.
“Let me assure the people of the Upper East Region that the roads we selected are part of the first phase of the Big Push. We are already scoping a second phase of the Big Push,” President Mahama said.
Responding to concerns from communities whose roads were not included in the first phase, the President said the government planned to expand the programme through subsequent phases.
“I know many people are coming to me and saying, ‘You didn’t add this road to the Big Push. You didn’t add that road to the Big Push.’ We are going to have a second phase and even a third phase of the Big Push,” he said.
President Mahama expressed confidence that the phased implementation of the programme would eventually address road infrastructure needs across the country.
“By the time we complete the entire Big Push programme in five years, I am sure everybody will be satisfied and everybody’s road will have been captured,” he added.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
