Debt restructuring delaying Tamale-Walewale road project – Roads Minister

The much-anticipated construction of the first phase of the Tamale-Walewale Road project has been delayed due to the government's debt restructuring program, according to the Minister of Roads and Highways, Asenso Boakye.

Despite its inauguration by Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in June 2022, the 83km highway, which is part of the crucial N10 route, remains untouched.

The N10, a key segment of the Central Corridor Road System, is vital for trade between Ghana and its neighboring landlocked countries and serves as a major connection between Accra and northern Ghana.

At the project's launch, Vice-President Bawumia emphasized its potential to boost intra-urban, regional, and national trade, enhance regional economic integration, and reduce business costs.

However, two years on, the road remains in poor condition with no construction underway.

The Minister, speaking in Walewale after a tour of the North East Region, attributed the delay to suspended disbursements caused by the debt restructuring program.

He reassured the public that negotiations with the Finance Ministry were nearing completion and that construction would soon resume.

"Very soon, we are about to finish the negotiation, and contractors will come back to the site to continue with the project," the Roads Minister stated.

During his tour, the Minister inspected several road projects, beginning in the Mamprugu Moaduri District.

He reviewed the 52km Wiase-Yizesi-Soobiinsi road, which has been completed and handed over to the government. Accompanied by the Member of Parliament, Mustapha Usif, District Chief Executive Abu Adams, and various road development officials, he met with the chiefs and residents of the Yizesi community, reaffirming the government's commitment to ongoing road projects and urging support for Dr. Bawumia and Mr. Usif in the upcoming elections.

The community chief expressed gratitude for the road developments but requested the completion of a drainage system to prevent flooding.

The Minister also inspected the 29.4km Yagaba-Kubori-Mankarigu road, the 24km Yagaba-Prima road, and the 23km Yagaba-So road.

In the West Mamprusi Municipality, he assessed the Wulugu-Kpasenkpe road, the Mishio-Prima bridge, and the Walewale township roads project.

At Mishio, the Minister voiced dissatisfaction with the slow progress on the Mishio-Prima bridge project. The 210m bridge over the White Volta River, designed to connect the Mamprugu Moaduri district, North Gonja, and Kumbungu districts, was started in 2021 and was scheduled for completion in early 2023.

As of June 12, 2024, it was only 20% complete. Boakye urged contractors to expedite their work, while contractors cited the need for fund releases to meet project timelines.

Concluding his tour, the Minister inspected the Walewale township roads project.

"In Walewale, the government is constructing many projects involving feeder and urban roads," he announced.

"I must say that I'm impressed with the work so far, and I'm quite confident that the contractors will finish the projects even ahead of schedule, given the information I have been given," he added.