By Michael Foli Jackidy, GNA.
Dzodze (V/R), Jan 15, GNA – Mr Eric Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament for Ketu North, has assured the chiefs and people of Dzodze that the ongoing dualisation of the Dzodze stretch of the Ho–Tokor Road under the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme will bring significant development to the town and the entire constituency.
Addressing a townhall meeting at Dzodze on Wednesday January 14, 2026, Mr Agbana said the large turnout reflected the people’s genuine desire for development, which was demonstrated during the December 7 general elections when residents queued patiently to vote in support of progress for Dzodze and Ketu North.
He recalled that during the election campaign, President John Dramani Mahama visited Dzodze and made two key promises to the people: the construction of a new modern market and the reconstruction and redevelopment of the Tokor–Ho Road, which passes through the town.
According to him, concerns were also raised at the time about congestion in the Dzodze market area, particularly on market days, where traffic flow becomes extremely difficult due to the narrow two-way road.
“To fulfil the first promise, I am pleased to announce that advertisements have been published for the construction of a 24-hour economy market here in Dzodze,” Mr Agbana said.
He disclosed that funds for the project were released last year and are currently with the Municipal Assembly, adding that construction would commence soon.
On the road project, the MP explained that since President Mahama performed a sod-cutting ceremony and awarded the Ho–Tokor Road project, work had already commenced on some sections of the road, signaling the government’s commitment to delivering on its promise.
Mr Agbana said initial proposals by engineers included the construction of a bypass through Penyi to avoid Dzodze, but with him and the Regional Minister they strongly opposed the idea, citing the risk of turning Dzodze into a “ghost town” if major traffic was diverted away from it.
He explained that their insistence led to the decision to dualise the road through Dzodze.
“If anyone is unhappy about the dualisation, be angry with me, because I was the one who pushed strongly for it. And if you are happy, then remember that the leaders you voted for stood firm to ensure Dzodze benefits,” he said.
He disclosed that Dzodze is among only ten towns selected nationwide to be developed into modern cities, stressing that it would be inappropriate for such a town not to have a major highway running through it.
The dualised road will cover about five kilometres within Dzodze, making it one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the town’s history.
Mr Agbana explained that the purpose of the meeting was to apologise for the delay in holding the engagement, to explain how the road construction would proceed and to make it clear that neither political leaders nor officials have the authority to alter the road design or exempt specific properties.
“There will be no favouritism. Even the District Police Headquarters may be affected. If we had the power to change the design, we would have avoided that, but the design is technical and must be respected,” he stated.
He assured residents that all affected property owners would be compensated in accordance with the 1992 Constitution before any demolition takes place.
He added that valuation and compensation processes had already begun in other parts of the country, including Kumasi, and would be handled smoothly when they reached Dzodze.
To ensure effective communication and transparency, Mr Agbana announced the formation of a twelve-member committee comprising representatives of traditional authorities, the Assembly Member, property owners, the MP, and the Municipal Chief Executive.
The committee will liaise with engineers and contractors throughout the valuation, marking, and implementation stages.
He further disclosed that the contractor had agreed to rehabilitate the Dzodze Senior High School Road at no additional cost, adding that although eight months of the 24-month contract period had elapsed, significant progress would be visible within the next 12 to 14 months.
Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, said the region had been sidelined for years despite repeated “Year of Roads” declarations under previous administrations.
He noted that although budgets were read under the Emergency Road Infrastructure Programme, the Volta Region saw little benefit.
“President Mahama and the NDC made promises, and today we are here to fulfil those promises,” Mr Gunu said, adding that the President had officially given the go-ahead for construction through the sod-cutting ceremony.
He said Ghana had effectively become a construction site, particularly with road projects, and appealed to residents to be patient with the temporary inconveniences, stressing that the completed roads would serve as key economic corridors.
Mr Gunu explained that the Ho–Tokor Road passes through seven districts and constituencies in the Volta Region and is therefore of strategic importance.
He said the Regional Coordinating Council, in collaboration with the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, Ghana Highway Authority, Council of State representatives, and religious leaders, had conducted monitoring exercises to ensure contractor performance.
He revealed that during one such monitoring visit to Dzodze, a contractor was found to be inactive and was subsequently replaced after a report was submitted to the President.
He urged the residents to embrace the developments in the area.
Madam Faustina Oppong-Yeboah, Acting Volta Regional Director of the Ghana Highway Authority, explained that the project is aimed at enhancing socio-economic development and improving growth along the corridor.
She said the Big Push programme would upgrade over 177 kilometres of road in the Volta Region to asphaltic standards, with selected sections dualised based on traffic and economic demands.
She assured residents that compensation issues would be handled transparently and professionally, noting that once the final design is approved, affected persons would be notified, properties valued, and compensation paid before any demolition.
Participants at the meeting, including project-affected persons, were given the opportunity to ask questions about compensation and implementation.
Many expressed satisfaction with the explanations provided and welcomed the project as a major boost to the development of Dzodze.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ghana Highway Authority, officials of NAG Fairmount Company, the contractors for the project, including Site Manager Mr Kojo Prince, party executives, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah