NPP accuses Mahama govt of abandoning Bolga–Bawku–Pulmakom road while prioritising arrests

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Upper East Region has accused the John Dramani Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of abandoning the Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakom Road project while prioritising the arrest of citizens who criticise the administration.

Speaking at a press conference at the Kulaa Bridge in Yaragabisi, in the Bolgatanga East Constituency, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the NPP Regional Communications Director, Dr Samuel Akonga, said the government had failed to complete a project that was already near completion.

“The only legacy President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC can boast of after leaving office in 2028 is arresting innocent Ghanaians,” Dr Akonga said.

He alleged that the previous NPP administration had taken the road project from 0% to 95% completion, leaving only 5% of the work outstanding.

“Only five percent of the work is left, yet the current NDC government has abandoned the project,” he said.

Dr Akonga said the poor condition of the road was exposing residents, traders, and motorists to serious danger. He claimed that several people had lost their lives due to the state of the road, while dust from the unfinished stretch was worsening respiratory conditions, including asthma, among residents living along the corridor.

“People are dying on this road. Those who use it every day are suffering, and residents living along the stretch are inhaling dust daily. Asthma cases are becoming alarming,” he said.

He therefore appealed to chiefs, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders in the Upper East Region to intervene and pressure the government to bring the contractor back to the site.

“We are appealing to our chiefs and traditional authorities to rise up and ensure that the government brings back the contractor to complete this important road without further delay,” Dr Akonga stated.

The NPP said completing the road would ease transportation difficulties, improve connectivity, and boost economic activity across the region. The party described the project as a major development priority for residents, traders, motorists, and other road users.

Government’s Position

The claims of abandonment contrast with the government’s earlier public assurances. In August 2026, President Mahama said the contractor, Queiroz Galvão Construction, had remobilised to the site after the government intervened to address unpaid certificates. However, about three months later, the contractor is still not on site.

Calls for Accountability

Dr Akonga urged the government to demonstrate commitment to infrastructure delivery rather than political persecution.

“Ghanaians deserve roads, jobs, and development, not intimidation and arrests,” he said.

The NPP Regional Communications Directorate said the completion of the Bolga–Bawku–Pulmakom Road would provide a major economic boost for the Upper East Region, linking several districts, namely Zebila, Binduri, Bawku, Pusiga, Kulungugu, and even neighbouring Burkina Faso and Togo.