Work has resumed on the 117.94-kilometre Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road project, with the government assuring contractors of prompt payment to ensure the project is completed on schedule.
President John Dramani Mahama, accompanied by Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza, inspected ongoing works on the new Zuarungu Bridge over the Kunbangre River during his Resetting Ghana Tour of the Upper East Region.
The project, being executed by Brazilian construction firm Queiroz Galvão Construction, had been suspended over outstanding payments.
President Mahama said financial difficulties and the country’s debt crisis had forced the contractor to leave the site under the previous administration.
He said his government, upon assuming office, directed the Ministries of Roads and Highways and Finance to engage the contractor and facilitate its return.
President Mahama assured the contractor that certificates raised on the project would be honoured promptly.
“Although this project does not fall directly under the Big Push Programme, it is an associated Big Push project, and any certificates raised will be honoured promptly.”
The President also stressed the strategic importance of the road as a major link to the Eastern Corridor, which forms part of efforts to create an alternative transport route connecting the northern and southern parts of the country.
Meanwhile, the Roads and Highways Minister disclosed that the contractor had previously halted work over €28 million in unpaid certificates.
He said the government had since released €8 million to settle part of the outstanding debt and facilitate the contractor’s return to site.
Mr. Agbodza said government had also moved away from loan dependency and secured direct funding commitments to ensure the project progresses without further interruptions.
He assured that heavy equipment was being mobilised to the site and that work would continue until completion.
