Wa-Sawla Road: Mahama Lacks Political Leadership to Drive Project — Concerned Citizens

The Coalition of Concerned Citizens of the Upper West Region has accused President John Dramani Mahama of failing to provide sufficient political and executive leadership to ensure the timely completion of the Wenchi–Bole–Sawla–Wa road project.

According to the coalition, the slow pace of reconstruction on the 195-kilometre highway raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to delivering the project within the promised timeframe.

The group said although some progress has been recorded on sections of the road, particularly between Sawla and Tuna, work on the Upper West portion remains significantly slower.

“We remain concerned about the stark contrast in activity between the two sides of the corridor,” the coalition stated.

The coalition said its concerns are not directed at residents of the Savannah Region, explaining that its assessment was based on firsthand observations during a tour of the Sawla–Wa stretch on May 9, 2026.

The group said it stopped at Kulmasa, Tuna, Blema and Sawla, where it interacted with youth groups and assessed the progress of work.

“Our concern, therefore, is based on what we have seen on the ground,” it said.

The coalition also questioned the funding and contractual arrangements for the Wa–Sawla section, saying there is insufficient clarity about how the project is currently being financed despite the government’s association of the broader Wenchi–Sawla–Wa corridor with the Big Push programme.

It is demanding answers to questions including whether the contractor, Mr Seidu Ali, has been adequately resourced to complete the project on schedule and what mechanisms are in place to monitor his performance.

The group also wants the government to provide a clear timeline for visible construction activity on the Wa town–Nyoli stretch.

The coalition placed the ultimate responsibility for the slow pace of work on the government, arguing that President Mahama has not provided the political and executive leadership required to drive the project with urgency.

“The ultimate responsibility for the slow pace of work on the entire Wenchi–Bole–Sawla–Wa road must be placed at the doorstep of this government,” the statement said.

The group recalled that President Mahama cut the sod for the reconstruction of the 195-kilometre road and promised that the project would be completed within two years.

It said the government must therefore demonstrate greater urgency in ensuring that the project progresses as promised.

The coalition issued a particularly strong warning over the importance of completing the National Route N12, which connects the affected communities and serves as a major transport corridor.

“We make no apologies for saying this: If he decorates the rest of the country with gold, but does not ensure the full completion of the National Route N12 before leaving office, we will forever remember his presidency as a spectacular failure,” the statement said.

The coalition stressed that its criticism should not be interpreted as hostility towards the Savannah Region, noting that it had interacted with residents and youth groups during its assessment and remained in contact with some of them.

It further called on government and other stakeholders to provide the necessary support to accelerate work on the road.
“By our efforts we have lit a fire — a fire in the minds of all Upper Westerners,” the coalition declared.

The group said the “fire” should unite stakeholders who are committed to development while putting pressure on those whose actions or inaction could obstruct progress.

It has consequently urged all key stakeholders to “stand on the side of development” by ensuring that the Sawla–Wa Road receives the attention, funding and supervision required for its timely completion.