Key Takeaways
- Upper West parliamentary caucus inspected Mahama‑era “Big Push” road projects on August 20.
- P&W Ghanem Limited received commendation for rapid progress on multiple sections, promising completion by early 2028.
- Other contractors were urged to accelerate work and address deteriorating older stretches.
- Travel times for residents have already dropped dramatically, underscoring the projects’ immediate impact.
The Upper West Parliamentary Caucus toured the Mwankuri‑Han and Han‑Nandawwaala‑Kuntulo‑Jeffisi‑Tumu corridors to verify the status of President John Dramani Mahama’s flagship “Big Push” infrastructure programme. Led by Caucus Leader Dr. Sebastian Sandaare, the delegation assessed work quality, timelines and community benefits.
Five firms are responsible for the network of roads linking Wa, Lawra, Nandom and surrounding districts. While P&W Ghanem Limited was singled out for meeting milestones, legislators warned that lagging contractors must be replaced to avoid prolonged hardship for the region’s residents.
Background & Context
The “Big Push” initiative, launched in 2022, earmarks billions of cedis for road construction across Ghana’s underserved regions. Upper West, historically constrained by poor transport links, was allocated multiple projects totaling roughly 47 kilometres of new or upgraded pavement. The parliamentary caucus’s field visit forms part of routine oversight mandated by the Ministry of Roads.
Contract awards were split among five companies, each tasked with delivering a three‑layer surface dressing—prime seal, first seal and second seal—within a two‑year window. The deadline for the current phases has been set for January–February 2028, aligning with the government’s broader infrastructure timetable.
Progress and Contractor Performance
P&W Ghanem Limited, operating under the brand P&W Ghanem, reported that the 22‑kilometre Mwankuri‑Han stretch has completed prime seal and is advancing toward the second seal. The firm also cited a 25‑kilometre segment from Nandom toward Lawra and Lambussie, where fill formation and sub‑base work are underway. CEO Caesar Ghanem expressed confidence that the remaining layers will be laid ahead of schedule.
Lawra MP Bede A. Ziedeng praised the contractor’s “neat” and “fast” execution, while Wa West MP Peter Lanchene Toobu highlighted the company’s speed and competence. By contrast, caucus members flagged other contractors for lagging progress, urging the Ministry to re‑allocate contracts to firms capable of meeting deadlines.
Community Impact and Maintenance Concerns
Local commuters have already experienced reduced travel times. Hudu Nafa, a regular Wa‑to‑Tumuh traveler, noted a drop from four‑plus hours to just over an hour and twenty minutes. Similar testimony from NHIA representative Nurudin Saani confirmed the tangible benefits of the upgraded sections.
However, MP Anthony Sumah Mwinkaara warned that newly sealed roads risk rapid degradation without systematic maintenance. He cited a deteriorating stretch between Magazine and Jang, urging the government to pair new construction with a robust upkeep programme.
Looking Ahead
The caucus will compile a detailed report for the Minister of Roads, recommending accelerated timelines for lagging contractors and a maintenance framework for existing pavements. Continued monitoring is expected as the 2028 deadline approaches, with the potential for contract revisions if performance standards are not met.
Successful completion of the “Big Push” roads could reshape economic activity in Upper West, facilitating market access, reducing transport costs and fostering regional integration.
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