The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bolgatanga East, Hon. Jacob Abugre Aka-Eri, has issued a strong warning to residents against encroaching on roads reserved for development, stressing that any structures erected on designated road alignments would be removed to allow for ongoing and future infrastructure projects.
The warning was delivered during a road-opening exercise carried out by the Bolgatanga East District Assembly in Zuarungu Zono, aimed at improving road accessibility and enhancing connectivity within communities across the district.
According to the DCE, the exercise forms part of a broader district-wide initiative to open and demarcate roads in several electoral areas, including Zuarungu Central, Duuligo, Yarigabisi, and Zuarungu Moshie, as part of efforts to improve transportation and support local development.
Speaking to community members and stakeholders during the exercise, Hon. Abugre explained that although the affected roads existed in official planning documents, many of them had not been physically identified on the ground, creating uncertainty and encouraging encroachment over the years.
“We only know where the road is passing on paper, so there was a need to physically open and demarcate it to ensure everybody clearly knows the exact location of the road. This will not only prevent future disputes but also improve movement and access for residents,” he stated.
The exercise, however, encountered initial resistance from some youths in the Zuarungu Zono community, who expressed concerns over the implementation of the project and temporarily halted the operation.
The situation was later resolved peacefully following engagements between district authorities, police personnel, assembly members, community leaders, and the aggrieved youths. After extensive discussions and clarification on the objectives of the project, the road-opening exercise resumed without further disruption.
Hon. Abugre noted that the incident highlighted the importance of community involvement and continuous dialogue in the implementation of development projects, especially those affecting land use and settlement patterns.
He appealed to residents to cooperate fully with the District Assembly and avoid putting up unauthorized structures on road reserves or other lands earmarked for public infrastructure development.
The DCE further cautioned that any structures found obstructing planned roads or development corridors would be demolished in accordance with planning regulations and the assembly’s commitment to ensuring orderly development within the district.
The ongoing road-opening exercise is expected to significantly improve transportation networks, enhance access between communities, and facilitate economic and social activities across the Bolgatanga East District.
Residents have also expressed optimism that the intervention will improve mobility, reduce congestion in some areas, and create opportunities for future infrastructure expansion and community development.
Source: BlueWaves Radio 93.7 FM | Maurice Duncan |Bolgatanga East
