President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed plans to open the Upper East Region through massive road infrastructure and other projects to be captured under the Big Push programme.
The initiative will include a major highway connecting the Upper East Region to the Upper West Region from Bolgatanga through Navrongo and Tumu, all the way to Wa.
The President also announced plans to upgrade the airport at the regional capital, Bolgatanga, and begin construction of the Pwalugu Multi-purpose Dam, which will be executed in two phases. Other initiatives include a component of the Feed Ghana Programme to offer opportunities to farmers in the region.
President Mahama made these remarks during a courtesy call on him by a delegation from the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs at the Presidency in Accra.
The delegation was led by Chiana Pio, Pe Thomas More Ditundini Adiali Ayagtam III, President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Chiana Traditional Area. He was accompanied by some prominent citizens, including Members of Parliament.
President Mahama reiterated that development is the focus of his government and will be evenly distributed across the country. He noted that under the vegetable component of the Feed Ghana Programme, experts are working with farmers to provide new varieties expected to feed the Pwalugu Tomato Factory, which will soon be reactivated.
Touching on the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam, the President said the government intends to execute the estimated $900 million project in two phases. The first phase, the hydro component of the project, will help irrigate farmland.
This, he said, should bring at least 10,000 hectares of land under irrigation. In addition, it will be designed to control flooding in low-lying areas of the White Volta River Basin when excess water from Burkina Faso’s Bagre Dam is released.
“We’re looking to see if we can start the first phase, which is preparing the place to put in the dam to produce electricity. It’s estimated to produce up to 60 or 70 megawatts of power. But it’s been designed as a hybrid,” the President stated.
He added that the project includes a solar component, which will also produce 30 to 40 megawatts.
The President noted that Parliament has already approved a new Airport Infrastructure Development Levy, which, among other things, will fund the construction of the Bolgatanga Airport.
“Very soon, I will cut the sod for construction works to begin. We’re also looking at areas where water supply is difficult, so that we can enhance the water systems to produce more water for our people,” he added.
On access to electricity, he said the Rural Electrification Programme, which was also captured in the budget, will be expanded to unserved communities.
