Mahama Govt Commences Construction of 36km Tongo–Sheaga–Duusi–Pelungu Road
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwame Governs Agbodza, has officially cut the sod for the construction of the 36-kilometre Tongo–Sheaga–Duusi–Pelungu road in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region.
The ceremony, held at the Zoog community in Tongo on Friday, August 14, 2026, was conducted on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and marked the commencement of a major road infrastructure project expected to improve connectivity, transportation and economic activity across communities in the area.
The event brought together traditional leaders, the Member of Parliament for Talensi, Hon. Daniel Dung Mahama, the Talensi District Chief Executive, Hon. John Millim Nabwomya, Chief Executive Officer of the Roads Maintenance Fund, Mr. Kobby Balon, the Director of Highways and other senior officials of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, as well as chiefs, opinion leaders and residents.
Speaking on behalf of the Overlord of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongraan Kubilsong-Nalegbe Tang, the Chief of Baare, Naab Nyakora Mantii, expressed appreciation to President Mahama for responding to the long-standing demand for the construction of the road.
He welcomed the Minister and his delegation to Talensi and assured the contractors of the full cooperation and support of the people throughout the execution of the project.
The Talensi MP, Hon. Daniel Dung Mahama, also commended President Mahama for fulfilling his commitment to the people, noting that the President first promised to construct the road in 2016 and subsequently reiterated the commitment in 2023 during the funeral of the late Ambassador John Akologo Tia and during the 2024 election campaign.
According to the MP, the commencement of construction demonstrates the President’s determination to translate his promises into tangible development for the people of Talensi.
He also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Roads and Highways for the attention and support he had received during his numerous engagements with the Ministry in pursuit of the project.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Kwame Governs Agbodza assured the people of Talensi that the necessary arrangements had been made for the effective execution of the project.
He, however, cautioned the three contractors working on the project against abandoning their sites after the sod-cutting ceremony.
“Do not cut the sod today and leave the site tomorrow. We expect you to work diligently to ensure that the project is completed on time,” the Minister cautioned.
Hon. Agbodza further urged chiefs and residents to monitor the progress of the project and report any contractor who abandons the site or fails to perform according to the agreed standards.
He warned that contractors who failed to meet the required standards could face appropriate sanctions, including replacement where necessary.
The Minister stressed that quality workmanship was non-negotiable, adding that value for money remained a key principle guiding infrastructure development under President Mahama’s administration.
The Talensi District Chief Executive, Hon. John Millim Nabwomya, in his vote of thanks, described the road as critical to the development of the district and expressed appreciation to President Mahama and his government for initiating the project.
He also commended the Talensi MP, Hon. Daniel Dung Mahama, for his sustained efforts in facilitating the award of the contract and assured the government of the Assembly’s continued cooperation to ensure the successful execution of the project.
The 36-kilometre Talensi stretch will run from Tongo through Sheaga to Duusi. Complementary works will also cover the Tongo–Sheok junction to the Tongo Hospital, the hospital to the Chief’s Palace, and onward to the Tongo Community Centre, Tengzuk and Waakii.
The three contractors responsible for the three project lots have already commenced work, signalling the beginning of what residents and stakeholders expect to be a significant transformation of the road network in the Talensi area.
The project is expected to enhance movement between communities, facilitate access to health and other social services, improve the transportation of goods and boost economic activities within the district.
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