The Upper East Regional Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Jonathan Abdallah Salifu, says several stalled road projects across the region are being revived, while efforts are underway to assess and reactivate key industrial projects promised to the region.
Speaking on A1 Radio’s Daybreak Upper East Show, Mr. Salifu pointed to ongoing and planned road infrastructure interventions in Talensi, Nabdam, Kassena-Nankana, and Bawku as evidence of progress under the current administration.
According to him, work is expected to begin on the Tongo-Eastern Corridor road through the mining communities in the Talensi District after the contract was awarded to construction firm Araco.
“I am aware of the Tongo town through the Eastern Corridor route, through the mining area in the Talensi District. That project has been awarded. It is a 12.5-kilometre road, and it has been awarded to our own brother, a competent contractor, Araco, who has already moved to site,” he said.
Mr. Salifu also disclosed that funding has been secured for road projects in Bawku Central and that progress has been made toward reviving the long-abandoned Navrongo-Naaga-Kologo road project.
He said the Member of Parliament for the area had pursued the matter extensively, leading to the release of funds to the contractor.
“The MP made a series of follow-ups and the contractor has been paid. The contractor is expected to resume work any moment from now,” he said.
In Nabdam, Mr. Salifu said the area’s Member of Parliament had also secured resources to reactivate abandoned road projects.
“There are three major projects within this enclave. These are all seen as developments, even though we continue to ask for more,” he said.
Beyond road infrastructure, Mr. Salifu said efforts were being made to assess the viability of two major industrial facilities that have remained dormant for years.
According to him, representatives of Tasty Tom recently visited the Northern Star Tomato Factory at Pwalugu to assess its condition and potential for revival.
He also disclosed that the Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, had financed an independent assessment of the Zuarungu Meat Factory.
“The producers of Tasty Tom have visited the Northern Star Tomato Factory to assess it, and Dr. Dominic Ayine has paid for a consultant to assess the state of the Zuarungu Meat Factory,” he said.
Despite these developments, Mr. Salifu said residents of the Upper East Region should continue demanding more investment and development projects.
“We are not satisfied. We will continue to ask for more. We will continue to fight as a region,” he said.
He cited the revival of the Northern Star Tomato Factory and the Zuarungu Meat Factory, the construction of an airport, the completion of a regional stadium, and expanded road infrastructure as key priorities for the region.
“Until we see the two factories running, until we see our airport, until we see the stadium built, and until we see the road networks improved, we cannot be 100 percent satisfied,” he said.
Mr. Salifu explained that his expectations were based on commitments contained in the NDC’s manifesto and expressed confidence that government would work toward fulfilling them.
“If we promise, we have to achieve at least 90 to 95 percent, if not 100 percent,” he said.
The comments come amid ongoing public discussions about development priorities in the Upper East Region and growing calls for the completion of long-delayed infrastructure and industrial projects expected to stimulate economic growth and job creation.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga
