The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, as well as Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East Constituency, Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has assured residents that government will take immediate and long-term measures to address the deplorable condition of the Bolgatanga–Bawku road, following recent public demonstrations.
Dr. Ayine acknowledged the frustrations expressed by residents and road users, noting that although the road had been in a poor state for several years without protests, recent demonstrations—just over a year into the current administration—highlight the urgency of the situation.
“I was initially minded to think that the demonstrators were not being entirely fair, considering that the road has been in this condition for about eight years without any demonstration. Yet, barely a year into our administration, we are witnessing protests,” he stated.
However, the Minister said his personal experience upon returning to the constituency after spending three months in Accra changed his perspective.
“After driving on the road myself, I fully sympathize with the demonstrators. I understand their concerns and the point they are making,” he admitted.
Dr. Ayine cautioned against the politicization of the issue, stressing that road infrastructure should be treated as a matter of public interest rather than partisan debate.
“This is not something that should be politicized. It is about the welfare and safety of our people,” he emphasized.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to delivering on its promise to reconstruct the Bolgatanga–Bawku road, noting that the project forms part of a broader infrastructure agenda under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama.
According to him, while preparations are underway for the full-scale construction of the road, immediate interventions will be undertaken to address particularly bad sections to ease the burden on commuters.
“We are not going to wait for the contractor handling the entire stretch to begin work before addressing the most critical portions. In the short term, we will fix those sections to reduce the dust and make the road more motorable,” he assured.
The Minister expressed particular concern for vulnerable road users, especially motorcyclists, who are among the most affected by the deteriorating condition of the road.
Recounting his observations during the journey, Dr. Ayine described a distressing scene that underscored the urgency of the situation.
“At one point, I saw a woman riding a motorcycle while carrying a baby through the dusty stretch. That image alone tells you how serious the situation is,” he said.
The Bolgatanga–Bawku road is a critical transport corridor in the Upper East Region, facilitating movement of people, goods, and services. Its poor condition has long been a source of concern for residents, traders, and transport operators.
Dr. Ayine’s assurance has been welcomed by many residents, who are hopeful that both interim and long-term solutions will be implemented promptly to improve safety and ease transportation challenges in the area.
Source: BlueWaves radio/ Maurice Duncan
