Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over delays in the construction of the Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakom road.
According to him, the project stalled due to financial constraints that led to the suspension of payments to the contractor, Queiroz Galvão.
Speaking at a sod-cutting ceremony for key infrastructure projects in the constituency, Mr Ayariga explained that the contractor had been relying on a loan facility to execute the project, but work came to a halt when Ghana’s financial challenges disrupted funding.
“The contractor was working and drawing payment from a loan facility. But when the financial crisis hit and lenders suspended support to Ghana, the contractor could no longer continue because there was no guarantee of payment,” he stated.
He noted that the suspension of the loan facility meant the contractor could no longer raise payment certificates, ultimately forcing a halt to construction works.
Despite the setback, Mr Ayariga expressed confidence that work will soon resume on the road project. He revealed that government is actively working to restore the loan arrangement, with the Ministry of Finance leading efforts to renegotiate and finalise the agreement.
“As we speak, the Finance Minister is working to redraft and sign the loan agreement to allow work to continue,” he added.
The Bawku Central MP further disclosed that he, together with the Roads Minister and other stakeholders, has engaged the contractor, who has been directed to return to site while funding arrangements are being concluded.
He assured constituents that the contractor will resume work and complete the project within the tenure of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.
