Dr Clement Abas Apaak, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Builsa South Constituency, has inspected ongoing construction works on the Gbedema-Wiaga road.
The project, which is critical within the constituency, was part of a larger 62-kilometer gravel-surface stretch connecting Chuchuliga, Sandema, Fumbisi, and Wiesi, initially awarded in May 2016 with a projected completion date of March 2019, but saw significant delays.
While some sections were completed, much of the route, particularly from Sandema to Wiesi remained untarred, and existing tarred portions deteriorated into potholes.
Speaking to journalists after the inspection, Dr Apaak, who also serves as the Deputy Minister for Education, reiterated the government’s commitment to finishing the entire stretch.
He noted that the resumption of work fulfils a campaign promise made by President John Dramani Mahama noting that, “Work has officially resumed. I am in constant communication with both the contractor and the Roads Minister,” Dr Apaak stated.
He said, “The contractors and site engineers have assured me that as work progresses from Gbedema towards Wiaga, construction will simultaneously commence toward Fumbisi.”
The MP acknowledged the scepticism of residents who saw the project stall in the past but insisted that this time was different as the current administration was one led by a “tried and tested leader” committed to his pledges.
He highlighted Builsa South’s status as a national “food basket,” noting that President John Mahama recognized the immense economic value the constructed road would unlock for the region.
Dr Apaak assured constituents that the resumption of work was a sustained effort, not a temporary move to gain political favour.
Mr Donald Yeribu, the General Manager of My-Turn Company Limited, explained that the previous halt in construction was due to an extensive contract re-evaluation process.
He said while the re-evaluation was still ongoing, sufficient progress was made to allow the company to mobilize back to the site.
Addressing calls from some residents to replace the firm due to previous delays, Mr Yeribu defended the company’s reputation saying, “My-Turn possessed the experience and machinery to deliver a high-quality road.”
He pledged that the company was fully dedicated to meeting the new timeline, provided outstanding administrative challenges were resolved.
The resumption of work has been met with cautious optimism by locals.
Madam Hawa Ibrahim, a resident of the area, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, thanked both the MP and the government, noting that a completed road would drastically reduce travel times and stimulate trade within the district.
The road is widely regarded as a project of national importance, expected to provide long-term relief to commuters and boost the agricultural economy of the Builsa area.