The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, has appealed to the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr. Kwame Governs Agbodza, and his Deputy, Mr. Alhassan Suhuyini, to further accelerate the implementation of the Big Push Project.
Speaking during a tour of roads in the Upper West and Upper East Region part of Ghana, Mr. Akamugri said the initiative is centered on improving the road network across the country.
He noted that youth in the region are exerting pressure on government, insisting that promises made to them must be fulfilled—following claims that they were given 15 over 15 for the region members of Parliament seats to the National Democratic Congress government. The Upper East Regional Minister made the appeal when the Roads Minister and his Deputy visited and inspected work on key roads in the region.
These include the Wa–Tumu to Navrongo road, which forms part of the Big Push Project, as well as the Navrongo–Chuchuliga–Sandema and Wiaga–Fumbisi roads, which have also been included in the initiative.Mr. Akamugri observed that the contractor, MyTurn Construction Company Limited, is currently on site.
He explained that while the contractor initially raised concerns about payment, he is now satisfied after assurances that the contractor will receive payments.He noted that work on the Wa–Tumu to Navrongo road is currently about 22% complete, and expressed that residents of the region are eager to see the project move faster. According to him, the youth are “up in arms,” insisting that government must deliver on its part of the Big Push Project.Mr. Akamugri expressed appreciation to the Roads Minister and his team for visiting the region, stressing that leaders have faced significant pressure and heightened public expectations..
He said completing the roads would contribute to opening up parts of the region, including the areas connected by these projects.He added that while some communities are already beginning to feel the impact of the Big Push Project, farthest parts of the region still feel left out—particularly because they do not yet see the Wa–Tumu–Navrongo road as benefiting them directly. In his view, finishing the road will demonstrate government’s commitment and encourage residents that progress is truly underway.
He further appealed that once the projects are fast-tracked, they would provide relief and lasting benefits to the people.Tamale–Bolgatanga RoadMr. Akamugri also expressed gratitude that the Roads Minister highlighted his intention to review the Tamale–Bolgatanga road. He noted that the road was awarded to the JMC contractor by the New Patriotic Party administration but has experienced significant delays.
He said that while the project cost was put at $158.6 million, an amount close to $30 million was paid to the Indian firm (JMC) for mobilization, but no meaningful work was done.
The Roads Minister said two main strategies would be pursued to move the project forward particularly working with the Attorney-General to recover the $30 million from JMC, following failed attempts by the previous administration to retrieve the funds.
He also stated that the Tamale–Bolga project remains a priority under the President’s direction. The Ghana Highways Authority, he said, is exploring new ways to construct the road, and an official announcement on the new approach is expected soon