The government of Ghana is engaging the European Union (EU) to extend the rehabilitation of about 300 km of feeder roads in the Sissala East Municipality, Sissala West and Wa East districts.
The €35 million European Union-funded feeder road project in the Upper West Region did not include the three municipal and district assemblies.
The project aims to increase beneficiary communities' access to healthcare facilities and markets for farmers.
But, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Asenso-Boakye, in his speech during the commissioning of the European Union and Government of Ghana 670 km feeder roads project in Daffiama on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, disclosed that the Government of Ghana is currently engaging the EU to extend the project to cover the three Sissala enclaves.
“I am happy to inform you as the Finance Minister stated that the government is currently engaging the EU to extend this project for the rehabilitation of approximately 300 km of feeder roads in the Sissala West District, Sissala East Municipality and Wa East District.”
He said that comparable initiatives have been planned and will be implemented gradually in other areas of the region.
He continued, "This is part of the government’s broader plans to enhance connectivity and boast trade within the Upper West Region.”
The government, in collaboration with the EU, commenced work on the 35 million euro feeder roads project in 2019 at Kpongu, a community in the Wa Municipality.
Mr. Asenso-Boakye mentioned that 98% of the roads, which is 650 kilometers out of 670 kilometers, have been completed, resulting in a 55% reduction in overall travel time.
He advanced that the project has created over 3000 skilled and non-skilled jobs in the beneficiary communities.
The European Union Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly mentioned that the project will unlock new economic opportunities for communities in the Upper West Region, diminish the transport cost as well as cut by half the travel time.
He also noted the rehabilitation of 16 CHPS compounds and 16 solar powered boreholes as part of the project.
“These infrastructures are serving the basic needs of the communities. They are powered as well by solar power panel which are operating mechanized boreholes for access to water,” he added.
Naa Nagua Anmwierenjeng, the Chief of Daffiama Nayikore, represented the Paramount Chief of the Daffiama Traditional Area, Naa Dikomwine Domalae, at the commissioning ceremony.
He praised the EU and the government for the project, stating that the roads will facilitate travel for teachers, Directors of Education, Circuit Supervisors, and students to attend classes or give lectures.
“I will say that commercial activity is actually improved. People no longer cross rivers but then, they get over bridges,” he added.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr. Stephen Yakubu, expressed gratitude to the EU and the World Bank for their ongoing support to the region. He emphasized that the new roads would create opportunities for trade and contributes to a stronger economy.
A high-profile EU delegation, which included the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Irchad Razaaly, as well as government officials such as Minister of State and former Interior Minister Mr. Ambrose Dery, and Minister of Finance Mr. Mohammed Amin Adam, attended the event. The delegation also included representatives of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and Traditional Leaders.
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