The Upper East Region Communication Directorate of the New Patriotic Party(NPP), has rubbished claims made by the communication department of the National Democratic Congress(NDC), that the contractor working on the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulimakom road, QGMI, a subsidiary of Constructutora Queiroz Galvao S/A has deserted the road due to government’s inability pay certificates raised over government’s recent Domestic Debt Exchange Program.
The Regional Communication Director of the NDC, Mr. Abdallah Jonathan a week ago alleged that the contractor working on the Bolga-Bawku Road has abandoned the project and parked out of site as a result of government’s failure to pay the contractor money owed it due to the Domestic Debt Exchange Program.
“In recent weeks as witnessed by you all, the construction firm, QGMI a subsidiary of Constructutora Queiroz Galvao S/A working on the major parts of the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Polimakom road project has moved all its heavy equipment and machines out of the region. Friends from the media, our sources tell us that this recent suspension of the project is due to the Domestic Debt Structuring Programme (DDEP) imposed on ghanaians by this wicked government as part of the IMF’s conditionalities.”
Reacting to this claim by the NDC, the Upper East Regional Communication Director of the NPP, Mr. Ayimbisa Peter and his team in a press conference at the party office in Bolgatanga on Tuesday 28th February, 2023, refuted the claims by the NDC and described the accusations as baseless, and propaganda intended to rundown the good works of the government.
” The NDC suggested that the contractor working on the Bolgatanga, Bawku-Pulimakom Road had suspended work. They additionally allude to the fact that the said suspension was because of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP). These are baseless claims, propaganda infested and ill-intended to run-down the good works of this government. We challenge the NDC to provide documentary proof of this claim.”
Mr. Peter Ayimbisa clarified that it has gathered information that the contractor has relocated most of its equipment out of the region, but has not officially communicated to the Upper East Regional Minister or the Ghana Highways Authority to the effect that it has suspended work on the site. He however said efforts are being made to bring contractor back to site.
“Our checks at the site indicate that the contractor had relocated a number of his equipment out of the region. The Ghana Highways Authority and the Ministry of Roads tells us that there has not been any official communication from the contractor suggesting a desertion of site.”
“The regional coordinating council has engaged the ministry who in turn met the
contractor and asked them to resume work momentarily without delay. Based on this official
communication, we have the strongest conviction that the contractor will be back soon.”
The NPP argued that the finance minister is yet to meet external creditors concerning the debt restructuring after it concluded the DDEP with 85% success rate and therefore and that the debt restructuring program could not be the reason for the suspension of the project by the contractor.
“The DDEP was concluded a fortnight ago with 85% success rate. The ministry of finance is
yet to engage our external creditors to strike a deal with them concerning debt sustainability
and restructuring. It is therefore premature for the largest opposition party to conclude that it
is the reason for the temporary hold-up of the project.”
Hon. Peter questioned the right of the NDC to question the NPP government of suspending the project which it(NDC) failed to construct during its reign.
“It is quite depressing if not heartbreaking that at the back of all the failed promise and „politrick‟, they had as much as 12 Members of Parliament who could not convince their own President to attend to the teething plight of their constituents. It is therefore worth asking if the NDC and their John Mahama have any credible basis to be questioning the NPP about this road.”
The Communication Director said te NPP government has achieved more in the road sector since coming into power in 2016 and went on to list some of the roads it has constructed or upgraded in the Upper East Region.
“The New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has implemented several road projects in the Upper East region. Some of the major achievements in the region include:
1. Construction of the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom Road.
2. Construction of the Tono Irrigation Road
3. Construction of the Widana-Kulungugu road
4. Construction of the Bongo-Balungu-Namoo road
5. Upgrading of New Market main road, Navrongo 6. Graveling of Tanzui-Azinmsum road, Tanzui-Tindonmologo road, Zaare area road etc
7. Spot improvement of Zamsa-Gobsa-Chansa
8. Rehabilitation of Bawku-Zabugu Road
9. Bintumen surfacing of Navrongo-Tono and many others.
10. Upgrading of Missiga – Kulungugu Road (10KM)
11. Upgrading of Chuchuliga – Sandema – Wiesi Road (Selected Sections 40km)
12. Upgrading of Sandema – Wiaga (10km) Lot 1 Critical Roads
13. Rehabilitation of Navrongo – Chuchuliga – Tumu (34.23 KM)
14. Asphalt overlay Library road, Commercial street, ADB road, Market road, Extee road, A1 road, Hospital road Etc.”
” The NPP government has made significant strides in improving the road network in the Upper East region. These achievements have enhanced transportation, boosted trade, and improved the lives of the people in the area.”
By: Simon Agana Blessing/mywordfmonline.com