Rita Awatey breaks ground for commencement of 34km Somanya-Dodowa road project

The government has officially commenced work on the 34-kilometre Somanya Roundabout-Dodowa road and selected inner roads in Somanya in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region.

The sod-cutting ceremony, held at the Akutunya Lorry Station in Somanya on Saturday, September 5, 2026, was led by Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, with Oswal Investments Limited named as the contractor.

However, the contract sum and a definite completion timeline for the 34-kilometre Somanya-Dodowa road project, were not disclosed.

The ceremony brought together traditional leaders, political representatives, officials of the municipal assembly, residents and other stakeholders.

The project forms part of the government’s broader road infrastructure programme and is expected to improve connectivity between Yilo Krobo and Dodowa, while easing the movement of people, agricultural produce and goods along the corridor.

Oswald Investments Limited is already undertaking the construction of the Adenta-Dodowa road, making the company responsible for two major road projects connecting the Greater Accra and Eastern Region corridors.

The Adenta-Dodowa project is being implemented under the government’s Big Push programme and includes dual carriageways, service roads, major intersections, drainage infrastructure and footbridges. The project is expected to improve traffic flow and road safety along the busy Adenta-Dodowa corridor.

Regional Minister highlights government projects

Speaking at the ceremony, Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey said the commencement of the project demonstrated the government’s commitment to addressing infrastructure deficits across the region.

She said the road programme would cover not only major highways but also feeder, community and rural roads that had been assessed for rehabilitation and construction.

“This project includes feeder and community and rural roads. Most have been assessed. This government has done a lot,” she said.

The minister also cited investments in education, health and security infrastructure, including dormitory blocks and other facilities in second-cycle institutions, as well as the recruitment of young people into the security services.

She said the Police Training Centre at Huhunya had become an established training facility, while the government was constructing classroom blocks and CHPS compounds and developing 24-hour markets in communities across the region.

According to her, the projects formed part of what she described as President John Dramani Mahama’s “social contract” with Ghanaians.

“We are cutting sod for the commencement of works from tomorrow,” she said, urging residents to continue supporting the government.

Big Push funds committed to roads

Deputy Minister for Finance and Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, said the government had significantly increased financial transfers to local assemblies to enable them to undertake development projects.

He said the increased resources available to assemblies were contributing to improvements in education, healthcare and other infrastructure at the local level.

Ampem Nyarko said the Somanya-Dodowa road was among projects being implemented under the government’s Big Push programme, which he described as a mechanism designed to accelerate infrastructure development.

He said more than GH¢13 billion was allocated to Big Push projects in the previous year, while about GH¢30 billion had been allocated for the current year, with the funds dedicated to road construction.

He also assured contractors working under the programme of prompt payment, saying delays in payment would not be allowed to become an excuse for slowing down projects.

“I can bet that Oswald will do a good job. But I want to tell you, Oswald, that payment will not be the reason why you slow down the construction,” he said.

He urged the contractor to reciprocate the government’s commitment to prompt payment by ensuring that the project was delivered to the required standards.

Traditional leaders demand quality work

Oklepeme Nuer Anorbah Sasraku II, Paramount Chief for the Yilo Krobo Traditional Area, commended the Regional Minister, the Member of Parliament and other government officials for what he described as their commitment to the development of Yilo Krobo.

He said residents were encouraged by the commencement of the road project and other development initiatives and expressed confidence that the government would fulfil its promises before the end of its term.

“We are happy with the development. The government is doing what it promised to do across the country,” he said.

The traditional leader, however, urged the contractor to ensure that the road was constructed to a high standard, particularly because heavy-duty trucks frequently use the route.

He also appealed to the Roads Minister and the MP to ensure that the contractor maintained quality standards and that funds were released promptly to prevent delays.

He commended the Municipal Chief Executive for his contribution to development in the municipality and appealed for attention to be given to the local market and university projects.

The traditional authority subsequently called on residents to cooperate with the contractor to facilitate smooth execution of the project.

The commencement of the Somanya-Dodowa road works is expected to provide a major boost to transportation and economic activity in Yilo Krobo, while strengthening the connection between communities in the Eastern Region and the Greater Accra corridor.