President John Dramani Mahama has commended Brazilian construction firm Queiroz Galvão Construction (QGMI) for swiftly remobilising to the site as work resumes on the 117.94-kilometre Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road project.

The President, accompanied by the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza (MP), inspected work on the new Zuarungu bridge over the Kunbangre River as part of his Resetting Ghana Tour of the Upper East Region.

Reflecting on the project’s history, President Mahama expressed concern about financial constraints after his previous term, noting that a worsening debt crisis under the previous administration forced QGMI to suspend operations and leave the site.

He explained that upon assuming office, the current NDC administration immediately directed the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Ministry of Finance to engage the contractor and facilitate their return to the site.

“Although this project does not fall directly under the Big Push Programme, it is an associated Big Push project, and any certificates raised will be honoured promptly,” President Mahama assured.

He praised the contractor’s track record, pointing to their successful delivery of major projects across the country: “You executed the Tamale Airport project and many others in Ghana. We encourage you to maintain those high standards, and I assure you that your payments will be made on time so you can complete this project on schedule.”

Highlighting the highway’s strategic importance, President Mahama noted that the road serves as a critical link to the Eastern Corridor, which is being developed to create a seamless transit network to the south.

“The Eastern Corridor links up with this road, and we are currently scoping the stretch from Nakpanduri through Garu to Kulungungu,” he said. “The objective is to establish a continuous road network providing an alternative route to Accra through Garu, Nakpanduri, Gushegu, Bimbilla, and down the corridor through Hohoe, Jasikan, the Adomi Bridge, Tema, and into Accra.”

Briefing the President at the site, the Roads and Highways Minister said the contractor had previously halted operations over €28 million in unpaid certificates.

He stated that on the President’s directive, €8 million was disbursed to settle part of the debt and facilitate the contractor’s return.

“We have re-engaged the contractors, moved away from loan dependency, and secured direct funding commitments. The contractors have begun clearing the site, bringing in heavy equipment, and we are committed to ensuring work continues uninterrupted until completion.”

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