Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, has urged contractors working on the Have–Hohoe and Asikuma–Have road projects to maintain high construction standards and strengthen community engagement as he toured key project sites as part of a two-day regional inspection exercise.
Beginning his tour in Hohoe, the Minister said the visit formed part of a six-month monitoring cycle to track progress and identify challenges affecting contractors.
“We are here to monitor and see for ourselves the progress of work and understand any challenges you may be facing. This exercise will be repeated every six months,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of partnership between government and contractors, describing them as “key collaborators in delivering development.”
“I am glad to learn that you are ahead of schedule. This means the 24-month timeline set by the President may even be achieved earlier,” he stated.
The Minister encouraged contractors to prioritise the employment of local artisans, engineers, and youth, in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of enhancing job opportunities across the region.
“The chiefs and people along the Golokuati stretch have expressed concern about slow progress. Community engagement is therefore crucial so residents understand what is happening on the ground,” he added.
He further called for strict adherence to quality standards, urging engineers and consultants to ensure durable road infrastructure.
“I do not want a situation where by the time you reach 5 km, 1 km is already deteriorating. Hold regular site meetings with the MCE, chiefs and stakeholders so issues can be addressed quickly,” he advised.
Mr. Samuel Yaw Egyir, Regional Maintenance Manager of the Ghana Highways Authority, said the 53.35 km Have–Hohoe Road Project was initially funded by COCOBOD in 2020 but was later absorbed into President Mahama’s Big Push initiative.
The project, awarded to Greenhouse International Developers Ghana Limited, has a 24-month completion target and is progressing steadily, with prospects of early delivery.
On the Asikuma–Have Road, he said the 45 km stretch awarded in 2021 to First Sky Construction Limited has been rescoped, though it remained under Government of Ghana funding.
“From 0 to 28 km, the project has been rescoped. The contractor is concentrating on the worst sections first. Concrete works, side drains, and cross drains are ongoing, after which earthworks and asphalt overlay will follow,” he explained.
Mr. Oliver Acquah, CEO of First Sky Construction Limited, reported strong progress on the Asikuma–Have project.
“The 45 km project involves demolition, clearing, earthworks and concrete works including U-drains and culverts. All earthworks and concrete works have been completed 100 percent. Asphalt binder works are done, and we are currently laying the wearing course. About six kilometres have been completed, and overall progress stands at around 70 percent,” he said.
Togbega Gabusu VII, Paramount Chief of the Gbi Traditional Area, appealed to contractors to ensure quality work and regularly water the roads to minimise dust and protect residents’ health.
He also urged them to speed up work to ease travel for the festive season.
The Minister was accompanied by the Volta Regional Representative on the Council of State, officials of the Ghana Highways Authority, representatives from the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, religious leaders, and other government officials.
Source: GNA
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