Upper West residents threaten action over stalled road project

Residents of the Upper West Region have given the government a two-week ultimatum to demonstrate visible progress on the stalled Wenchi-Bole-Sawla-Wa road project.

According to a report by citinewsroom.com, on May 6, 2026, they have threatened to hit the streets if their demands are not met.

In a strongly worded petition addressed to the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, on May 6, the coalition expressed their intolerance for further delays on what they described as a critical economic corridor.

“We demand, not politely request, the immediate commencement of reconstruction works on the Wenchi-Bole-Sawla-Wa road,” the group stated.

They highlighted the road's importance as a vital link between the Bono East, Savannah, and Upper West regions, as well as, a key route to Burkina Faso and Mali.

The residents pointed out that the road's condition has significantly deteriorated, hindering transport, damaging vehicles, and posing safety risks.

“What should be a vital economic corridor has become an endurance trial,” the petition continued.

The group criticised the contractors working on the project, accusing them of neglecting their responsibilities despite being awarded contracts under the government’s flagship “Big Push” infrastructure program.

They specifically called out Maripoma Enterprise Limited, claiming the company had completed less than one percent of its assigned work over a year after receiving the contract.

“This is not merely a delay; it is a deliberate show of disrespect for the people of the Upper West Region,” the petition added.

The residents further alleged that the contractor is overwhelmed with multiple projects, which was affecting progress on the road, described as the region’s “economic lifeblood.”

They warned that if the government did not take action within two weeks, it would lead to demonstrations.

In response to these concerns, Agbodza acknowledged the growing skepticism surrounding the project on the broader Wenchi-Techiman-Bole-Sawla-Wa corridor.

He assured the residents that efforts are underway to address the challenges.

The Wenchi-Bole-Sawla-Wa road is considered a strategic route for trade and movement across northern Ghana and beyond, making its completion vital for regional economic activity.

NAD/VPO

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