Residents of the Sissala East Municipality in the Upper West Region are calling on the government to address the deteriorating condition of the Tumu-Sakai-Walembelle-Wa road, which has become nearly impassable.
The road, critical for local transportation and economic activity, has been a significant concern for residents who rely on it to move goods and access markets.
Despite the area’s significant agricultural contributions, including corn production, inadequate infrastructure stifles economic potential.
The District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), launched to enhance Ghana’s road network through decentralized development, was hoped to address such issues. However, the Sissala East area has yet to see much improvement.
In 2015, the road was contracted to Fuzak Construction Company Limited under the John Mahama administration, but progress stalled following a change in government. Residents are now urging the current administration to resume and complete the project.
Nansia Mumuni Iddrisu, a Sakai resident, highlighted the difficulties faced due to the road’s poor condition. “Trucks cannot access the road, forcing us to use motorbikes and tricycles. This severely hampers the transportation of our produce, like maize and groundnuts, to neighbouring Burkina Faso and local markets,” he said.
Opinion leader and Sakai elder N-dian N-akul Hussein vividly described the road’s numerous potholes and the devastating impact on local businesses. “Vehicles struggle to pass, especially when loaded. The inefficiency in transporting goods affects sales and livelihoods,” he lamented, highlighting the economic strain caused by the road conditions.
Assembly Member for Sakai Electoral Area, Kantongboku Gbene Elijah, expressed doubts about the DRIP’s effectiveness for his community. “While the initiative is promising, we remain sceptical due to past experiences where similar projects did not benefit our area. We need transparency and accountability in these projects,” he stated.
Infrastructure development is crucial for the growth of agricultural communities like Sissala East. Transporting produce and accessing essential services remains a significant challenge without proper roads.
During a recent visit to the Tumu Traditional Area, Upper West Regional Minister Stephen Yakubu acknowledged concerns about the region’s slow pace and uneven distribution of road projects.
Chief of Kong, Kuoro Mahmoud Savei Zakaria, echoed these concerns, emphasizing better connectivity between the Upper West and Upper East Regions.
The residents’ calls for urgent repairs underscore the critical role of infrastructure in supporting local economies and improving the quality of life in rural areas.
Completing the Tumu-Sakai-Walembelle-Wa road repair project would facilitate the transportation of goods and enhance access to essential services, thereby significantly improving the lives of the residents.
