Connecting regions, boosting trade: President Mahama assures prompt payments for road works.

President John Dramani Mahama has reassured contractors working on the vital Chuchuliga-Sandema road project that they will receive prompt payments to ensure early completion.

During his two-day "#Resetting Ghana" tour of the Upper East Region, President Mahama inspected the project and commended the contractor, Messrs My Turn Limited, for delivering high-quality work ahead of schedule.

The Chuchuliga-Sandema stretch forms a crucial segment of the broader Navrongo-Chuchuliga-Tumu corridor under the flagship "Big Push" Infrastructure Programme. Once complete, it is expected to serve as a major catalyst for regional trade and economic growth.

Highlighting the route's strategic importance, President Mahama said the highway provides a direct link between the Upper East and Upper West Regions.

"This road is important because it links the Upper East and Upper West Regions. If you travel from Bolgatanga to Wa, this is the route through Tumu. We intend to link all regional capitals with good roads," the President stated.

He disclosed that planning is underway for subsequent phases of the infrastructure initiative. "We are scoping a second and even a third phase of the Big Push programme, where more roads will be included. By the time we complete the entire programme in five years, I am sure everyone will be satisfied."

Reinforcing the government's commitment, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza (MP), revealed the government recently released GHS 23.1 billion to settle contractor arrears and finance active Big Push projects.

"You would be on record to pay the largest portion of arrears under any government in our history. So you are not only continuing what you inherited, but you are also doing new ones," Mr Agbodza told the President. He was accompanied by his deputy, Alhassan Suhuyini, and officials from the Ghana Highways Authority.

The Minister added that more contractors are already on-site along other stretches of the corridor, assuring residents that the long-standing challenges of the Bolgatanga-Wa route will soon be fully resolved.