Major Roads in Chereponi to Receive Facelift- Minister Assures
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwame Governs Agbodza, has assured residents of Chereponi and surrounding communities in the North East Region that major road infrastructure in the area will receive a significant facelift under the government’s road development programme.
Responding to a parliamentary question from the Member of Parliament for Chereponi, Hon. Alajor Alhassan Seidu, the Minister outlined the current status and plans for key road projects in the constituency, including the Yendi–Chereponi–Yorku, Saboba–Chereponi, and Chereponi–Gbintiri roads.
Hon. Alajor had sought updates on the timeline for the completion of these critical road networks, which serve as vital economic and social arteries for the region.
Breakdown of Road Projects
According to the Minister, Yendi–Chereponi–Yorku Road project has been split into two contracts, thus KM 0–50 was awarded in July 2016, with an original completion date of August 2019, later extended to August 2022.
He explained that, the physical progress of work stands at 25% and the project is currently suspended due to delayed payments to the contractor.
On the KM 50–100:, the Minister said was also awarded in 2016, with a revised completion date set for September 2025 and progress is currently at 44.03%, but work is on hold for similar financial reasons.
For the Saboba–Chereponi Road which is 47-kilometre stretch, designated as Regional Road R-204, links the Northern Region’s Saboba District to Chereponi, also serves as an alternative route along the Eastern Corridor for travellers from Yendi, Zabzugu, and Tatale.
The road contract, Hon Agbodza said was awarded in June 2015 and started in January 2016,and was originally scheduled for completion in January 2018. However, work stalled with only 55% completed, again due to funding delays.
He told parliament, the Chereponi–Gbintiri Road which spans 50.3 km, is unengineered road is in poor condition.
Per records, there is currently no active programme for its construction, but the Ministry has completed engineering studies and submitted cost estimates for future consideration.
MP Confidence in Government’s Commitment
However, in an interview with ExpressNewsGhana, Hon. Alajor Seidu expressed satisfaction with the Minister’s response and optimism about the future of roads in Chereponi.
“I am really satisfied with the Minister’s answer, especially since he has visited Chereponi and witnessed the deplorable state of the roads himself,” he said. “I strongly believe he is committed to addressing the situation within the next four years.”
Hon. Alajor also acknowledged the continued advocacy of the President and the Minister of Education, who have both underscored the urgency of road development in the constituency.
Economic and Security Concerns
Describing Chereponi as a border town linked to Togo, the MP highlighted the critical economic importance of these roads for cross-border farming, trade, and transportation.
He noted that the poor state of the roads has rendered parts of the constituency almost inaccessible, especially during the rainy season.
“Most of our women are traders who travel to Tamale, Yendi, Bimbilla, and Accra to do business,” Hon. Alajor noted. “But due to the deplorable nature of the roads, some criminals now target them, robbing them of their goods and income. In some areas, even basic items like salt become scarce due to transportation challenges.”
He further appealed to residents to remain patient and supportive, assuring them of his unwavering commitment to ensuring the roads are completed.
“I urge my constituents to trust in the leadership of the President, the Minister, and myself. We are committed to resolving this issue once and for all,” he concluded.
Source: Felix Nyaaba | ExpressNewsGhana.com
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