Regional authorities in the Volta Region have toured key road projects under the government’s “Big Push” initiative, urging contractors to speed up work to meet timelines and deliver the economic benefits anticipated from the upgraded network.

The delegation led by Volta Regional Minister James Gunu and joined by Council of State member Gabriel Kwamega Atokple Tanko, institutional heads, clergy, and representatives of the Regional House of Chiefs inspected about 348 kilometres of ongoing road construction. The tour also included a visit to the new 67.5-metre steel bridge at Sayikope in the North Tongu District.

Strategic corridor expected to cut travel time by 40%

Briefing the team, the Volta Regional Maintenance Manager of the Ghana Highways Authority, Eng. Samuel Yaw, highlighted the strategic significance of the Asikuma–Have–Hohoe stretch on the N2, describing it as Ghana’s shortest and most efficient route to Burkina Faso. He said completing the Asikuma–Anyirawase–Ho–Denu section would reduce travel time and transport costs by roughly 40%.

He added that progress along the corridor has been encouraging, with nine contractors working on the 177-kilometre stretch from Atimpoku through Asikuma to Denu. The N2, which begins in Tema and ends at Kulungugu, is expected to experience a major boost in economic activity once the works are completed.

Eng. Yaw assured that the Authority is enforcing strict quality standards and prioritising safety throughout the construction period.

Chiefs mixed on progress

Representing the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, Torgbega Sei II commended the performance of most contractors but expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on the Hohoe–Have segment. While praising progress on Asikuma–Adidome and Kpetoe–Denu, he urged lagging contractors to improve their delivery timelines.

Minister urges faster work and community cooperation

Volta Regional Minister James Gunu explained that the monitoring exercise is part of the VRCC’s core oversight mandate and will be conducted every six months. He encouraged contractors to maintain regular site meetings, publish clear work schedules, and accelerate execution because of the roads’ economic relevance.

He also cautioned the public against creating unauthorised speed bumps, stressing that construction-related inconveniences are temporary but unlawful alterations pose long-term safety risks.

The tour ended at the Agavedzi Sea Defence Project, where the regional minister met Works, Housing and Water Resources Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei. Both officials later inspected progress at the Keta Port site.

The Big Push a national infrastructure acceleration programme aims to expand economic corridors, stimulate job creation, and fast-track major road, bridge, industrial, and social infrastructure projects across Ghana.