Fix Wa-Bole-Techiman Road to Safeguard Lives and Economic Growth – Dr. Sandaare urges Govt
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Daffiama/Bussie/Issah, Dr. Sebastian Sandaare, has called on the government to urgently rehabilitate the Wa-Bole-Techiman Road, citing its deteriorated condition as a threat to both human safety and food security.
Speaking in Parliament on Friday, March 14, 2025, Dr. Sandaare emphasized the road’s economic significance, particularly for the Upper West and Savannah Regions, which rely heavily on road transport for access to markets, jobs, healthcare, and education.
He stressed that the poor state of the road undermines economic growth and social progress in the affected regions and the nation at large.
“The Wa-Bole-Techiman Road is a vital trans-ECOWAS route linking the Upper West and Savannah Regions to the southern parts of Ghana and neighboring Burkina Faso. However, its deplorable condition has rendered it nearly impassable, with deep potholes, weak culverts, and excessive dust,” Dr. Sandaare stated.
He noted that the road’s poor condition has led to increased incidents of armed robbery and frequent accidents, often caused by vehicles trying to navigate potholes. What should be a 12-hour journey from Accra to Wa now takes over 18 hours, with transport operators, including the State Transport Company, gradually abandoning the route.
Dr. Sandaare lamented that despite persistent appeals from chiefs, commuters, and lawmakers from both sides of the political divide, successive governments have neglected the road for nearly a decade. Although a previous administration awarded part of the road to a contractor before leaving office, work has yet to commence.
Beyond economic setbacks, he highlighted the serious health implications for commuters and residents along the route. Prolonged travel times exacerbate health conditions, while constant exposure to dust has led to rising respiratory diseases in local communities.
Additionally, delays in patient transportation have resulted in worsening medical conditions for those referred to the Upper West Regional Hospital.
Dr. Sandaare warned that failure to fix the road would further escalate transportation costs, increase the prices of goods and services, and hinder investment and tourism in the affected areas.
He stressed that rehabilitating the road would facilitate trade, reduce vehicle maintenance costs, attract businesses, create jobs, and ultimately improve the overall quality of life for residents.
“I am, therefore, appealing to the President, through the Minister of Roads and Highways, to urgently commence the rehabilitation and reconstruction of this road to safeguard lives and enhance economic activities,” he concluded.
The lawmaker’s appeal underscores the growing frustration of residents and stakeholders, who continue to hope for swift government intervention to address the pressing infrastructural challenge.
Source: Felix Nyaaba//expressnewsghana.com
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