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 the Bawku Central Member of Parliament, the project stalled due to financial challenges 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 said the financial difficulties prevented the contractor from continuing work.
“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 said.
He added that without access to the loan funds, the contractor was unable to raise certificates for payment, leading to the abandonment of the project.
Despite the setback, Mr Ayariga expressed optimism that work would soon resume on the road. He said government was working to restore the loan facility, 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 noted.
Mr Ayariga further disclosed that he, together with the Roads Minister and other stakeholders, had engaged the contractor, who had been directed to return to site while funding arrangements were being finalised.
He assured that the contractor would resume work and complete the project within the tenure of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.
