Residents in the Upper East Region took to the streets on April 10, 2026, to protest poor road conditions in Bolgatanga East.
Clad in red, the demonstrators marched from the Bolgatanga East District into the Bolgatanga Municipality, expressing frustration over what they described as delays in reconstructing the Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakom road.
Protesters displayed placards with messages such as “Fix Bolga roads now,” “Too much maintenance on our vehicles,” “Upper East also deserves the national cake,” and “Stop the lip service.”
Speaking to Bolga FM, the group’s leader, Paul Honkani, said the region has been neglected and continues to lag behind others in terms of infrastructure development.
He said the group is particularly concerned about township roads and the Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakom stretch, which serves as a key route linking neighbouring countries including Burkina Faso, Niger, and Togo.
“The road has been left uncompleted, and conditions keep worsening for both residents and motorists,” he said.
The group also expressed disappointment that the project is not included in the government’s “Big Push” infrastructure initiative, despite its importance and frequent use by several Members of Parliament in the region.
They further highlighted the poor condition of the Zuarungu–Bolgatanga road, especially the stretch from the Timber Market to the bridge, which they say becomes dusty during the dry season and nearly impassable during the rains.
According to the group, the situation has led to increased respiratory illnesses, frequent accidents, and growing hardship for residents and road users.
The demonstrators called on the government to urgently fix the Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakom road, particularly around the Timber Market and the Kulaa Bridge.
They said the road has been in a deplorable state since February 2023 and demanded that a grader and water tanker be deployed within five days to improve conditions.
The group gave the government until April 16, 2026, to take action, warning that failure to do so would result in further demonstrations.
They also expressed disappointment that the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, and the Bolgatanga East District Chief Executive, Jacob Abugre Aka-eri, were absent to receive their petition.
Upper East Regional Deputy Police Commander, ACP Joseph Darison Wusi, addressed the demonstrators and explained that the regional minister was unavailable. He urged the group to submit their petition, assuring them it would be delivered to the appropriate authorities.
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Moses Anaba Azubire | Bolgatanga East
