Residents demand urgent repairs on Bolgatanga-Bawku-Polimakom road

Residents and motorists in the Upper East Region are calling on the government for immediate intervention on a deteriorating 200-metre stretch of the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Polimakom road. The section, characterized by heavy dust and an uneven surface, has become a significant safety hazard, increasing the risk of accidents for pedestrians and drivers alike. While the broader road project is ongoing, this specific segment has drawn intense public outcry due to its deplorable state and the apparent absence of contractor activity on-site.

The primary concerns center on the thick dust clouds generated by passing vehicles, which severely impair visibility and pose respiratory health risks to nearby communities. Although several segments of the multi-year road project have been completed, critical gaps remain, particularly at the Kulaa and Tilli Bridges. Local leaders and road users have expressed frustration that, despite the strategic importance of this international transit route, temporary safety measures such as regular watering to suppress dust have not been implemented to mitigate the hazards.

The construction, handled by the Brazilian firm Queiroz Galvo, has faced persistent delays attributed to financing challenges. President John Dramani Mahama has previously acknowledged these fiscal hurdles, pledging more efficient resource management to ensure the project stays on track. While government officials and the Minister for Roads have reiterated a commitment to completing the entire stretch by the end of 2027, residents argue that the immediate risks posed by the unfinished 200-metre stretch require urgent, interim attention.

The demand for action emphasizes the need for immediate, temporary remedial works to stabilize the surface while the main construction is pending. For motorists who use the route daily, the lack of contractor presence on this specific bottleneck is a source of growing agitation. The government’s ability to resolve underlying financing issues with the contractor will be vital in meeting the 2027 completion deadline and ensuring the safety of those traveling through the Upper East Region.