The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana's Upper East Region has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of the Kulaa Bridge section of the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom Road. The party described the situation as a public health and safety emergency, accusing the government of failing to address the dangers despite repeated assurances. According to the NPP, the prolonged delay in completing the bridge and other outstanding sections of the road continues to expose motorists, passengers, and roadside residents to excessive dust, difficult traveling conditions, and the risk of accidents.
The Upper East Regional Communications Director of the NPP, Dr. Samuel Akonga, addressed a press conference at the Kulaa Bridge to draw attention to the daily struggles of road users. He stated that the party deliberately chose the location to register their profound displeasure at the state of the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road, particularly the Kulaa Bridge. Dr. Akonga said commuters, commercial drivers, teachers, nurses, farmers, and traders who regularly use the road continue to endure difficult conditions, with passing vehicles generating thick clouds of dust that affect nearby homes and businesses.
Dr. Akonga raised concerns about the safety of road users, suggesting that the poor condition of the stretch had contributed to accidents, injuries, and loss of lives. He lamented that only God knows the number of cherished lives that have been lost and the number of vibrant young people who have suffered injuries on account of the difficult conditions on this road. The NPP party is demanding immediate measures to control dust and improve safety around the Kulaa Bridge while the government works towards completing the outstanding sections of the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom Road.
The NPP party criticized what they described as repeated assurances from government officials over the resumption of construction works, which they said had not translated into sustained progress. Dr. Akonga referenced assurances attributed to the Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, that funding had been secured for the project and that the contractor would return to the site. He also cited reported arrangements for local contractor Araco to undertake works on the old bridge while Queiroz Galvão prepared to resume construction of the new bridge.
Dr. Akonga argued that the situation should no longer be treated as a mere inconvenience, given its implications for public safety, economic activities, and the wellbeing of communities along the road. He added that this situation cannot continue to be treated as an ordinary inconvenience, but rather as a matter of public safety, economic activity, and the dignity of the people who depend on this road. The party is therefore urging the government to take immediate action to address the deteriorating condition of the Kulaa Bridge.
The state of the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom Road has been a longstanding concern for residents and users of the road. The NPP party has expressed concerns that the situation has been exacerbated by the delay in completing the outstanding sections of the road. The party is demanding that the government takes concrete steps to address the situation and ensure that the road is completed to prevent further accidents and injuries.
The NPP party's demands come as the government faces criticism for its handling of the project. The party has accused the government of failing to provide adequate funding for the project, leading to delays in its completion. The situation has had a significant impact on the lives of residents and users of the road, who continue to endure difficult conditions.
Key points
- The NPP party is demanding immediate measures to control dust and improve safety around the Kulaa Bridge.
- The party has accused the government of failing to address the dangers of the deteriorating condition of the Kulaa Bridge despite repeated assurances.
- The situation has implications for public safety, economic activities, and the wellbeing of communities along the road.
