President assures North East Region residents of good road network

President John Dramani Mahama has assured the chiefs and people of the North East Region of his government’s commitment to providing access road networks across the region.

This initiative is aimed at supporting the region’s socioeconomic development by improving connectivity between towns and villages through quality road infrastructure.

The President gave the assurance while addressing the chiefs and people of the North East Region at Nalerigu during his Thank You Tour of the region.

President Mahama is currently embarking on the nationwide Thank You Tour to express his gratitude to Ghanaians for their support for him and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the December 7, 2024 general elections.

Before addressing the durbar, President Mahama held a closed-door meeting with the Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sherigah II, at his palace in Nalerigu.

Speaking at the durbar grounds, President Mahama stated:

“In the North East Region, despite its strategic location and agricultural potential, it has long suffered from poor road connectivity. This is going to change.”

“By the time I leave office in four years, the North East Region will have some of the best roads in the country.”

He explained that his government, guided by this commitment, had made infrastructure development a priority in the 2025 Budget. He emphasized their resolve to address the development imbalances the North East Region had endured.

He revealed that one of the government’s first priorities was the completion of the Mishio Bridge in the West Mamprusi Municipality.

The President announced that the Mishio Bridge project had been included under the Big Push initiative—a programme that has earmarked GH₵20 billion for infrastructure development.

He further noted that the Finance Minister had assured that all contractors executing projects under the Big Push would be paid within two weeks upon presenting valid payment certificates, to prevent any delays in project execution.

President Mahama said the completion of the Mishio Bridge would improve access to neighbouring regions such as the Upper East, Northern, Savannah, and Upper West Regions. He added that the improved connectivity would open new trade corridors, particularly for agricultural produce like yam, rice, and watermelon.

He also mentioned that the Chereponi-Gbintiri-Nakpanduri roads, which are part of the broader Eastern Corridor Road network, had not been forgotten, stating: “It is also under the Big Push project.”

Other targeted projects include the Nalerigu-Bunkpurugu Road, Wulugu-Yakaba Road, Nalerigu Town Roads, and the Chereponi-Wapuli-Yendi Road.

President Mahama disclosed that although a contract had previously been awarded for the reconstruction of the Savelugu-Walewale Road, the project had stalled despite GH₵30 million being paid to the contractor, who had since vacated the site.

He assured the public that the government was repackaging the Savelugu-Walewale Road and including it under the Big Push programme for rehabilitation.