The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Upper East Region has called on the government to provide a clear timeline for the completion of the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road, expressing concern over the prolonged delays, particularly at the Kulaa Bridge near Yaragabisi in the Bolgatanga East Constituency.
The party made the demand at a press conference held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at the Kulaa Bridge construction site. The statement was read by the party’s Regional Communications Director, Dr. Samuel Akonga.
Dr. Akonga explained that the decision to hold the press conference at the dusty construction site was deliberate, as the party wanted to draw attention to the difficulties faced daily by commuters, residents and businesses operating along the stretch.
He described the deplorable condition of the road as more than an inconvenience, stressing that it raises serious concerns about public safety, economic activities and the dignity of residents.
“Every passing vehicle raises clouds of dust that engulf commuters, roadside residents and businesses,” he said.
He further expressed concern about the dangers posed to motorists and passengers, noting that the poor state of the road had exposed road users to difficult and potentially life-threatening travelling conditions.
“Only God knows the number of cherished lives that have been lost and the number of vibrant young people who have suffered injuries,” Dr. Akonga stated.
NPP Questions Government’s 95% Completion Claim
The party also questioned the delay in completing the project despite figures contained in the government’s 2026 Budget Statement.
According to the NPP, page 74 of the budget indicates that rehabilitation works on the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road are 95 per cent complete.
The party described the figure as a significant admission by the government, arguing that only about five per cent of the project remains outstanding.
It questioned why the remaining works have not been completed, considering the hardship road users continue to endure, particularly around the Kulaa Bridge.
Demands Clear Answers on Funding and Completion
The NPP has consequently called on the government to explain the reasons behind the delay and provide a definite timeline for the resumption and completion of works at the Kulaa Bridge and other outstanding sections.
It is also demanding clarification on the current financing arrangements for the project, the status of outstanding payments to contractors, and measures being implemented to ensure that funding challenges do not further delay construction.
The party further urged the government to move beyond temporary mobilisation exercises and verbal assurances to ensure consistent and visible construction activities at the affected sections.
It also called for immediate measures to control dust and improve road safety around the Kulaa Bridge while efforts are made to complete the outstanding works.
Calls on Mahama Government and Stakeholders to Act
Dr. Akonga maintained that the people of the Upper East Region had waited long enough and deserved more than repeated assurances.
He argued that with almost two years into the current administration, residents deserve a clear explanation, a credible completion timetable and visible progress on the project.
The party therefore appealed to President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for Roads and Highways, the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Highway Authority to provide answers and demonstrate a firm commitment to completing the road.
It also called on the Regional Ministers, the Upper East Caucus in Parliament, all 15 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), traditional authorities, religious organisations and the media to add their voices to the demand.
The NPP insists that the completion of the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road, particularly the Kulaa Bridge, is critical to improving road safety, facilitating economic activities and easing the daily difficulties of residents and commuters in the Upper East Region.
By Maurice Duncan
Source: Mybluewavesonline.Com/ Maurice Duncan/ Bolgatanga
