Tumu Landlord Issues Two-Week Ultimatum to Clear Encroachments for Ghana-Burkina Faso Road Project

The landlord and sectional heads of Tumu in the Sissala East Municipality have issued a two-week ultimatum to owners of structures encroaching on road reservations to relocate immediately. This directive is intended to pave the way for a major road construction project designed to enhance cross-border transportation and trade between Ghana and Burkina Faso. The announcement, led by the Tumu Landlord, Baba Tommy Kanton, signals a community-driven push to ensure that vital infrastructure development proceeds without delay or legal bottlenecks.

The project has gained significant local support, with Baba Tommy Kanton publicly commending President John Mahama and the Member of Parliament for Sissala East, Isaah Mohammed Bataglia, for prioritizing the Tumu-Burkina Faso route in the government’s current infrastructure agenda. This road is considered a strategic corridor for the Upper West Region, serving as a primary link for goods and people moving across the northern border. By integrating this route into the national infrastructure programme, the government aims to boost economic activity and reduce travel times in the sub-region.

During the announcement, the Tumu Landlord emphasized the necessity of local development, urging residents and political actors to keep partisan interests out of the project’s execution. He maintained that the collective progress of the municipality should take precedence over individual convenience. MP Isaah Mohammed Bataglia confirmed the government’s readiness to commence work, noting that construction activities are scheduled to begin shortly after the expiration of the relocation deadline. The collaboration between traditional authorities and the local administration highlights a unified approach to addressing urban encroachment.

While the community generally supports the road expansion, some residents have raised concerns regarding the tight timeframe for relocation. Alhaji YY, representing affected residents, has appealed for a brief three-day extension for those facing logistical difficulties in moving their properties. Despite these requests for leniency, the primary focus remains on the timely completion of the road, which is expected to transform Tumu into a more efficient hub for international trade and improve the quality of life for the people of Sissala East.