The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has clarified that the recently constructed Navrongo–Chuchuliga Road was financed directly by the Government of Ghana (GoG) and is not part of the government’s flagship Big Push road programme.
The Minister made the clarification on Wednesday during an inspection tour of the road, explaining that the distinction was necessary to provide the public with accurate information regarding the funding arrangements and scope of ongoing road infrastructure projects in the Upper East Region.
According to Hon. Akamugri, construction of the Navrongo–Chuchuliga stretch commenced after President John Dramani Mahama assumed office, with the aim of restoring reliable road connectivity between the Kassena-Nankana Municipality and the Builsa areas.
He explained that before the road was rehabilitated, residents travelling between Navrongo and Sandema faced significant difficulties due to the poor state of the road and bridge, which hampered transportation, trade, and access to essential services.
“The Navrongo–Chuchuliga Road has already been completed under Government of Ghana funding. It is different from the Big Push programme, although both are government-funded projects,” the Minister stated.
Hon. Akamugri further explained that the sections earmarked under the Big Push infrastructure programme begin from Chuchuliga to Chiana, continue from Chiana to Tumu, and also include a 10-kilometre stretch from the Chuchuliga Junction towards Sandema.
He stressed that these are the road segments officially captured under the government’s flagship infrastructure initiative, and therefore should not be confused with the already completed Navrongo–Chuchuliga section.
Addressing what he described as public misconceptions, the Regional Minister noted that references to the Big Push road project from Navrongo through Chuchuliga to Tumu do not imply that every section falls under the same funding arrangement.
“When they say the Big Push covers the road from Navrongo, Chuchuliga to Tumu, it doesn’t necessarily mean all the sections. This particular section (Navrongo–Chuchuliga) has already been worked on under Government of Ghana funding,” he explained.
He emphasized that the source of funding should not overshadow the government’s commitment to delivering quality road infrastructure for residents.
“Whether it is Big Push or Government of Ghana funding, it is still government funding. What matters most is that the road is constructed to improve the lives of our people,” he said.
The Minister also assured residents of Navrongo, Sandema and surrounding communities that the remaining protective works on the project would soon be completed. These include the construction of stone pitching at vulnerable sections to prevent erosion and protect the newly completed road from deterioration.
“We want to assure the citizens from Navrongo and Sandema that the remaining works, particularly the stone pitching, will be completed to ensure erosion does not damage the road. We are committed to ensuring that a quality and durable job is delivered,” he added.
The clarification is expected to provide greater public understanding of the government’s ongoing road development agenda in the Upper East Region while reaffirming its commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and enhancing connectivity across communities.
Source: MyBlueWavesonlin.com| Maurice Duncan| Bolgatanga
