By Mohammed Balu, GNA
Tumu, (UWR), May 06, GNA – Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minister for Roads and Highways, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure in the Upper West and Upper East corridors to boost economic activities between the two regions.
Speaking at Tumu as part of the nationwide “Big Push” roads inspection, the Minister expressed appreciation for the warm reception from traditional leaders, noting that the decision to meet him along the road reflected the community’s importance of development issues.
He commended the area’s Member of Parliament for his dedication and strong advocacy for development, describing him as a committed son of the land who continues to champion the interests of his people in Parliament.
Mr Agbodza acknowledged the concerns and appeals raised by chiefs and residents and assurred them that all requests were being taken seriously.
He revealed that officials from the Ghana Highways Authority, including the Chief Executive and regional engineers, were already working to assess the proposals and determine feasible interventions.
Among the key issues discussed was the possible dualisation of sections of the road through Tumu township to the border, as well as improvements to roads linking farming communities to major markets and border towns.
The Minister emphasised that the area was of strategic importance as a major food-producing zone, particularly for maize, and noted that improved road networks would support farmers to transport their produce efficiently and boost economic activity.
”We know that here is one of the most important maize growing areas in the country and the President expect the people to be able to sell their produce to every part of the country and Burkina-Faso to increase their incomes and have a return on their investment”, he said.
The landlord of Tumu, Baba Tommy Kanton, speaking on behalf of the Tumu traditional Council, expressed gratitude to the President for the significant progress in road development across the country.
He highlighted the importance of the Tumu–Burkina Faso stretch, noting that while the Burkinabe side of the road had already been tarred up to the border, the Ghanaian side remained incomplete.
He appealed for urgent attention to the project, emphasising that completing the road would enhance connectivity and open up Ghana’s northern frontier for trade and development.
The landlord also commended the Roads Minister and described him as a serious and dedicated leader.
He noted that seeing the minister visit Tumu twice within a year was a strong sign of commitment to the area’s development, which had brought renewed hope to residents.
The council also praised contractors, particularly Mawums, for the quality of work being done, and urged other contractors to emulate such standards.
They further appealed to the Roads Minister to ensure the timely release of funds to contractors to avoid delays and guarantee the swift completion of ongoing projects. The traditional council presented a ram as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation to the Minister.
Mr Issah Mohammed Bataglia, Member of Parliament for Sissala East said he was in daily contact with all the contractors towards ensuring all the challenges they face were being resolved to ensure all the contractors deliver on schedule.
‘’We are continuously pleading with Minister Agbodza who is not an armchair Minister to ensure quick payment to Mawums, Ashcal and P&W Ghanem Ltd.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali /Kenneth Odeng Adade