President Mahama ends Upper East Tour with major road, health and agriculture commitments
President Mahama concludes his Upper East Tour with commitments to improve roads, healthcare, education, aviation and agriculture across the region.
President John Dramani Mahama has concluded his two-day tour of the Upper East Region with a series of major commitments in road infrastructure, aviation, education, healthcare and agriculture.
The commitments were announced during a citizens’ engagement held at Desert Pastures in Bolgatanga on Friday, August 14, as part of the President’s Resetting Ghana Tour.
A major highlight was the government’s plan to undertake 18 road projects covering 267.52 kilometres across the region under the Big Push infrastructure programme.
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, said procurement authorisation for the projects would be issued the following week, with contractors expected to mobilise to site within the subsequent month.
The projects include the upgrading and rehabilitation of several roads, including Gurumongo-Mayoro, Gbedema-Kandiga, Chuchuliga-Awulansa, Kandiga Junction-Sirigu, Zaare-Nyariga-Ayonore, Zuarungu-Tongo and Navrongo-Pungu-Natungnia.
Two bridges will also be constructed along the Paga-Sirigu route. These include a 30-metre bridge over the Kolalibali River and a 36-metre bridge over the Gugura River.
Agbodza also announced measures to revive work on the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road, with completion targeted for 2027. The government also plans to rehabilitate the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway and sections of the Eastern Corridor.
President Mahama further disclosed that procurement was underway to select a contractor for the construction of the proposed Upper East Regional Airport, which he said would enhance connectivity and stimulate economic activity in the region.
On education, President Mahama announced plans to complete 30 abandoned secondary school projects and construct another 30 schools under the STAR-J project. The government also intends to construct 16 new secondary schools nationwide, with some expected to be located in the Upper East Region.
The President also highlighted the government’s Free Primary Healthcare programme, saying it would expand access to basic healthcare while strengthening maternal health monitoring through community-based services.
In agriculture, President Mahama said 50 percent of the planned US$10 billion investment under the New Economy programme would be channelled into agriculture and agro-processing.
He said the Upper East Region would benefit from expanded irrigation infrastructure, while the tomato revitalisation programme is expected to put 2,500 acres under tomato cultivation.
Government, he added, would also rehabilitate the Pwalugu Tomato Factory and the 850-acre Pwalugu Irrigation Project to boost agricultural production and agro-processing in the region.
On the Bawku situation, President Mahama expressed optimism about the improving security conditions and reaffirmed his government’s commitment of GH¢1 billion to the Bawku Revitalisation Fund.
He said significant investments would be directed towards roads, healthcare and other critical infrastructure as part of efforts to restore economic activity and development in the area.
President Mahama said that following the stabilisation of the economy, the government’s next major priority was to accelerate economic growth and create jobs, particularly for young people.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Abiiro Samuel Atule
