On January 19, 2026, the Winkogo Youth Peacekeepers Association in the Talensi District of Ghana’s Upper East Region blocked a 500.5-meter stretch of the Bolgatanga-Winkogo-Tamale highway.
This section of the road has become a significant hazard for commuters and residents of Bolgatanga, resulting in the loss of lives and property.During a press conference, Patrick Anaba, a public relations officer of the youth association, emphasized the dire state of the road, which has raised health concerns among locals.
The thick dust from the unpaved road has been responsible for respiratory issues, and local businesses have suffered due to reduced visibility.
Tragically, this situation has led to the untimely death of a young girl. While the youth have temporarily suspended their protest, they have made their intentions clear: they will be monitoring the progress of road repairs initiated by the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, who has brought the contractor, MyTurn Construction Firm, back to the site.
The youth are granted 21 days for observable improvements before deciding whether to resume their demonstration.
In addition, they demand the complete restoration of streetlights along the Winkogo-Tamale highway, which have been non-functional for over two years, as well as the restoration of street lighting on the Winkogo to Tongo district capital road.
The youth have also urged the contractor to ensure that the repairs meet quality standards, emphasizing that they will not accept shortcuts or substandard work. “While we suspend the protest for now, we do so with clear intentions.
The youth will monitor the progress of work. If no change is observed, we will resume the demonstration. We demand the full restoration of all streetlights in Winkogo. The work must meet quality expectations; we will not accept shortcuts or substandard delivery,” Anaba stated.