The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, visited ongoing rehabilitation works on the Han-Tumu Road in the Upper West Region on Tuesday, May 5, marking a significant step towards addressing decades of neglect and improving vital transportation links for the Sissala enclave.
A Road Long Awaiting Attention
For over 30 years, residents and commuters in the Sissala enclave have endured the deteriorating conditions of the Han-Tumu Road. Despite repeated appearances in government budgets, the road remained a symbol of unfulfilled promises and a significant impediment to daily life and economic activity.
The poor state of the road has consistently hampered the movement of goods, particularly agricultural produce, leading to delays and economic losses for farmers. It has also been a recurring topic of discussion and concern at community meetings across the region.
Rehabilitation Efforts Underway
Recent efforts have seen portions of the road, specifically the Han-Nandow-Waala stretch and sections linking Jeffisi to Tumu, undergoing rehabilitation. These works have already led to noticeable improvements in travel conditions for motorists and residents.
During the ministerial tour, the Municipal Chief Executive for Sissala East, Yakubu Adamu Cadet, expressed relief over the visible progress. He briefed the minister on the ongoing works and also raised concerns regarding certain aspects of the proposed dual carriageway project within the municipality.
The Member of Parliament for Sissala East, Mohammed Issa Battaglia, commended the quality of the ongoing work. He specifically acknowledged the performance of Mawums Ghana Limited, the contractor responsible for parts of the project.
Community Engagement and Strategic Importance
The minister’s visit to Tumu attracted large crowds, including local chiefs and youth groups. Led by the landlord of Tumu, Jentina Tommy Luriwie Kanton, community leaders welcomed the delegation and seized the opportunity to voice their concerns about the planned dual carriageway.
Minister Agbodza acknowledged the strategic importance of the road corridor during his address. He highlighted the area’s proximity to Burkina Faso and its crucial role in regional trade, transportation, and security.
Emphasis on Quality and Accountability
Throughout his tour, Minister Agbodza underscored the government’s commitment to its “Big Push” infrastructure agenda. He stressed that the agenda must be defined by quality delivery and strict accountability.
The minister issued a stern warning to contractors, cautioning against project delays and any instances of substandard work. This emphasis aims to ensure that the rehabilitated roads meet the long-term needs of the communities they serve.
Looking Ahead
The ongoing rehabilitation of the Han-Tumu Road represents a significant turning point for the Sissala enclave. Residents are hopeful that this renewed focus on infrastructure development will continue, bringing lasting improvements to their quality of life and economic opportunities. The success of this project, coupled with the government’s commitment to quality and accountability, will be closely watched as further infrastructure projects are planned and executed across the region.
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