By Mohammed Balu, GNA
Tumu, (UW/R), Sep 04, GNA – Mr Governs Kwame Agbodza, the Minister for Roads and Highways, has expressed optimism that motorists will soon be able to drive from Wa through Tumu to Bolgatanga safely and smoothly, as work on the road progresses steadily.
The Minister made the remarks in Tumu when he inspected ongoing road construction works and engaged contractors on the progress of the road projects in the area.
Several contractors are currently working on various sections of the Wa-Tumu-Bolgatanga stretch, giving hope that the long-awaited seamless connection between Wa, Tumu and Bolgatanga would become a reality.
He said the government was committed to infrastructure development but cautioned that its ability to undertake projects must be considered within the context of the country’s financial situation.
Mr Agbodza indicated that the government continued to face significant financial obligations arising from commitments made by previous administrations.
“The fact is that, just as in our own homes, you cannot say there is a day when you do not owe school fees, hospital bills, or rent. What you need to do is make sure that the essential needs are addressed.
“We inherited a very broken economy and, while we are trying to provide infrastructure and develop the country, we must all remember that the President, through the Finance Minister, is still carrying a heavy burden created by the recklessness of others,” he explained.
He said, for instance, that last year the government paid $10 billion in Ghana’s debt obligations and two days ago, it paid almost $3 billion.
He explained that the government must, therefore, prioritise essential projects while being realistic about what could be delivered within the available resources.
The Minister said if, within the first four years of the administration, the government was able to complete the Tumu Road and other road projects towards the border, it would represent one of the biggest direct government investments in the area.
He further said the Roads Ministry was committed to completing the road projects within the four-year period of the government and stressed that the project could help create economic opportunities for the residents.
The Minister also described the project as strategically important to the area and the country, particularly because of its potential to support agriculture and improve the movement of goods and people.
Mr Livistone Damali, the Regional Highways Engineer, said work was ongoing on almost all sections of the Wa-Tumu-Bolga Road project, although progress varied from one section to another.
He said the inspection was also intended to enable the technical team to assess progress and report back to the appropriate authorities.
Mr Mohammed Issah Bataglia, the Member of Parliament for the Sissala East Constituency, welcomed the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in Tumu and its surrounding communities.
He described the road projects as significant long-term developments for the constituency and said the improved road network would unlock the area’s agricultural potential.
According to him, better roads would make it easier for young people and farmers to transport agricultural produce to markets and connect with opportunities across the region and beyond.
Baba Tommy Kantong, the Tumu Landlord, on behalf of the traditional authorities and people of Tumu, said the people were happy about the government’s interventions in the area.
He said the residents had long endured difficulties with the road network but were now hopeful that the current projects would provide a lasting solution.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Mohammed Balu, GNAÂ
[email protected]Â