Roads linking Garu to neighbouring districts worse and immotorable — MP
The Member of Parliament for Garu Constituency, Hon. Thomas Awinsum Anaba, has acknowledged the deplorable state of major roads connecting the constituency to neighbouring districts in the Upper East Region.
According to him, the Garu–Tempane, Garu–Pusiga, Garu–Binduri and Garu–Nakpanduri roads have deteriorated significantly, making movement difficult for residents and motorists.
Speaking to journalists during a working visit to the constituency, Mr. Anaba described the condition of the roads as “worse and immotorable” and called for urgent intervention.
“All the roads linking Garu to other districts in this area are worse and immotorable. The Garu–Tempane road, the Garu–Pusiga road, and the Garu–Binduri road are all not in good shape,” he said.
MP Appeals for Urgent Award of Big Push Road
Mr. Anaba appealed to the Minister for Roads and Highways to expedite the award of the Nakpanduri–Garu–Pusiga road, which forms part of the government's Big Push infrastructure programme.
“I am appealing to the Roads Minister to, as a matter of urgency, quickly award the Garu–Tempane–Nakpanduri road, which is under government's Big Push,” he said.
He said the completion of the road would significantly improve transportation and connectivity between Garu and surrounding districts.
Inner Roads Under Contract
While expressing concern about the condition of the major inter-district routes, the MP disclosed that several inner roads within Garu had already been awarded on contract.
He said substantial work had also been completed on drainage infrastructure, with the remaining work involving the application of gravel before the roads are tarred.
“The inner roads of Garu are already under contract. Much of the culverts have been fixed. What is left is to put the gravel before we begin tarring,” he explained.
MP Defends NDC’s Development Record
Mr. Anaba also responded to criticism over the perceived slow pace of development in the Upper East Region despite the NDC winning all 15 parliamentary seats in the 2024 elections.
He urged residents and critics to exercise patience, arguing that it was too early to make a definitive assessment of the NDC government's performance in the region.
“It is too early to judge the performance of the NDC government in the Upper East Region,” he stated.
He cited several road projects as examples of ongoing development efforts, including the Navrongo–Chuchuliga–Tumu road under the Big Push programme, the Chuchuliga–Sandema road, the Fumbisi–Wiesi road and the Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakom road.
Garu DCE Highlights Roads, Electrification and Irrigation Challenges
The District Chief Executive for Garu, Hon. John Abugba Abaare, also expressed concern over the condition of the district's road network.
He identified rural electrification and irrigation infrastructure as other key areas requiring attention, particularly to support farming communities.
“The road network, rural electrification, and irrigation systems for farmers are dear to my heart. I hope and pray that all these challenges are fixed before 2028,” he said.
On irrigation, Mr. Abaare called for the construction of dams in more communities, saying farmers and residents were increasingly demanding such infrastructure to support agricultural activities during the dry season.
“We need to have dams in most of the communities. Almost all the farmers and community members are demanding dams to assist them during the dry season,” he said.
DACF Projects Progressing
The DCE further disclosed that several projects being financed through the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) were at various stages of completion, with some already completed but awaiting formal handover.
“Several projects funded through the District Assembly Common Fund are at different stages of completion. Others are completed and yet to be handed over to the users,” he said.
The projects include CHPS compounds, boreholes, classroom blocks and market structures.
DCE Optimistic About Mahama Government
Mr. Abaare expressed confidence that the government led by President John Dramani Mahama would address the development challenges confronting the district.