UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By – Sadat Dabo
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Upper East Region has launched a scathing attack on the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing the government and the region’s 15 NDC Members of Parliament of failing to prioritise the completion of the Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakom road
The party is demanding an urgent return of the contractor to the Kulaa Bridge section of the road, a clear funding arrangement and a definitive completion timeline, describing the prolonged delay as a major setback to the development of the region
Addressing a press conference at Kulaa Bridge in Yaragabisi, Bolgatanga East, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the Upper East Regional Communications Director of the NPP, Dr. Samuel Akonga, questioned the commitment of the John Dramani Mahama-led administration to addressing the deteriorating road network in the region
Dr. Akonga argued that despite the NDC controlling all 15 parliamentary seats in the Upper East Region, the government had failed to demonstrate the urgency required to complete the critical road project
He described the situation as particularly frustrating, given the number of influential political figures who regularly use the road, including the Attorney-General, the former Majority Leader and other Members of Parliament
Dr. Akonga traced the history of the Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakom road, stating that the project was awarded in June 2016 under the NDC administration, with the contractor moving to site on December 7, 2016
According to him, the NPP inherited the project at zero per cent fiscal progress in 2017 and, through its administration, advanced the project to approximately 95 per cent completion by the time it left office in 2024
He said the remaining five per cent of the project had become a major test of the current government’s commitment to infrastructure development in the Upper East Region
“We took the road from zero per cent to 95 per cent. What is left for this NDC government to do is the five per cent,” Dr. Akonga stated
He further disclosed that the previous NPP administration secured a €128 million loan from the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and Standard Bank of the United Kingdom to support the project, insisting that the funding arrangement was captured in parliamentary records
The NPP Communications Director, however, acknowledged that his party could not complete the road before leaving office, but maintained that credit must be given to the NPP for the progress made
Contractor’s Departure After Mahama’s Visit Raises Questions
Dr. Akonga expressed disappointment over what he described as the contractor’s temporary return to site during President Mahama’s recent visit to the Upper East Region
He alleged that the contractor resumed work during the President’s visit but left the site shortly after the President departed the region
The development, he said, had raised serious questions about the government’s commitment to ensuring the completion of the project
He also questioned assurances reportedly given by the Attorney-General, Dominic Ayine, regarding engagements with Arago Construction Company to address the Kulaa Bridge section
Dr. Akonga challenged the government to move beyond verbal assurances and provide tangible evidence of progress
“The assurances are too many. We want the road to be executed. We want the contractor to come back on site and begin work,” he said
NPP Raises Concerns Over Funding
The NPP Regional Communications Director further alleged that the Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakom road was not included in the government’s current budget, citing a discussion with the Minority Ranking Member on Roads and Transport
He expressed concern that the government was reportedly considering the Road Fund as a financing source, arguing that the fund was already stretched by competing road infrastructure demands across the country
Dr. Akonga therefore called for a reliable and sustainable funding arrangement for the outstanding works
He also demanded a clear timeline for the completion of the project, insisting that residents of the Upper East Region deserved to know when the road would be fully rehabilitated
NPP Accuses Upper East MPs of Neglect
The NPP Communications Director did not spare the region’s NDC MPs, accusing them of prioritising personal interests over the development needs of their constituents
He questioned the effectiveness of the 15 MPs in lobbying for infrastructure projects, particularly the Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakom road
Dr. Akonga also criticised some MPs for pursuing further education, including law school, while pressing development concerns in their constituencies remained unresolved
He referenced comments attributed to a traditional leader advocating that some parliamentary seats in the region should be sacrificed as a deterrent to political parties that fail to deliver development
The NPP official urged residents to reconsider their political choices ahead of the 2028 general elections, arguing that the region’s voting patterns should be influenced by the delivery of tangible development projects
NPP Questions Government’s Development Record
Beyond the road project, Dr. Akonga accused the NDC government of failing to adequately prioritise the Upper East Region
He cited the Agenda 111 hospital projects initiated under the previous NPP administration, claiming that eight facilities were at various stages of completion when the party left office
He expressed concern that the delay in completing critical healthcare infrastructure could worsen the challenges faced by pregnant women and other patients in rural communities
The NPP also called on traditional rulers, queen mothers, religious leaders, the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, and District Chief Executives to speak out and demand accountability from the government
Dr. Akonga insisted that traditional and religious leaders must hold every government accountable, regardless of which political party is in power
NPP Challenges Mahama to Define His Legacy in Upper East
In a direct appeal to President John Dramani Mahama, Dr. Akonga questioned what legacy the President intended to leave behind for the Upper East Region before the end of his second term
He urged the President to prioritise the completion of the Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakom road, warning that the continued delay was affecting commuters, commercial transport operators and residents who depend on the route for their livelihoods
The NPP official maintained that his party would commend the government if it successfully completed the road
“If they are able to finish this road, I promise you as a party, we will pat them on the shoulder and tell them that you have done well,” he stated
The press conference, held directly at the Kulaa Bridge section of the road, was intended to draw public attention to the condition of the project and intensify pressure on the government
Dr. Akonga concluded by urging the people of the Upper East Region to demand accountability from their elected representatives and insist on development regardless of political affiliation.l
Source – gbcuraonline.com
