Pres Cuts Sod for 195km Wa-Wenchi Road …Expected to Reduce Travel Time by 50%, Boost Trade with Landlocked Countries
The 195 kilometres deteriorated Wa-Wenchi road in the Bono, Savannah and Upper West Regions received a major boost following the sod cutting by President John Dramani Mahama at Sawla on Wednesday for reconstruction.
Set to be executed in seven lots, the road project—expected to be completed in 24 months—would reduce travel time by 50 per cent and road crashes by 40 per cent. It would also boost trade between Ghana and its landlocked neighbouring Sahel countries.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the 195 km road project under the Big Push Infrastructure Programme, President Mahama projected that Ghana would have the best road network in West Africa upon completion.
He appealed to Ghanaians to bear with the government for any inconvenience caused by the massive road infrastructure drive during the construction period.
“Wherever in this country you go, roads will be constructed. I ask Ghanaians to be patient and accept the inconvenience because, 24 months after the launch of the Big Push, you’ll have the best roads in West Africa,” the President stated.
According to President Mahama, the ceremony represented more than just ground-breaking—it opened a new corridor of progress to reconnect regions, markets, and families, renew the promise of inclusive development, and affirm that every part of Ghana deserves modern infrastructure and opportunity.
He disclosed that every day, between 2,000 and 2,500 vehicles plied the corridor, carrying nearly 4,000 tonnes of grain, yams, cashew, and livestock from the middle belt to the north. Despite this economic importance, the road had been left to deteriorate, increasing vehicle operating costs by nearly 40 per cent and travel time between Wenchi, Sawla, and Wa to about eight hours.
The poor condition of the road had also led to more frequent accidents and armed robbery attacks.
“This is unacceptable in modern Ghana. Under the Big Push Programme, we are committed to a comprehensive and modern rehabilitation of this corridor to restore safety, efficiency, and pride to every community along the route,” he stressed.
President Mahama added that upon completion, travel time between Wenchi and Wa would be cut by more than 50 per cent, vehicle operating costs reduced by 40 per cent, and road accidents declined by approximately 45 per cent.
He emphasized that agricultural output and trade were expected to rise sharply as farm produce would reach markets on time—allowing teachers, farmers, and traders to benefit from improved access.
The project would include complete pavement reconstruction and widening, drainage and culvert upgrades, and asphalt and concrete surfacing.
“The road is not just going to be a bituminous surfacing road—it will be an asphalt road. We’ll have road safety installations, including road signs, guardrails, and clear markings,” he underlined.
Scheduled for completion in 24 months, President Mahama stated that contractors had assured early delivery.
“Some of the finest road construction companies have been assigned to this project, and I’m certain they’ll do a good job,” he concluded.
BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI
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