ACCRA, May 6, 2026 — After months of public
outcry over the sluggish pace of work on the Wenchi–Bamboi–Bole–Sawla Road, the Upper West Parliamentary Caucus is pushing back against claims of inaction, revealing a series of behind-the-scenes moves that have now forced government and contractors to the table.
For years, the crucial road linking the Upper West Region to the Bono and Savannah Regions has been mired in delays, sparking frustration among commuters, traders, and residents who rely on it for economic and social activity. Dust, potholes, and abandoned machinery have become symbols of broken promises — and advocacy groups have intensified calls for contractors to speed up work.
Caucus Fires Back at ‘Inactive’ Tag
Amid growing public perception that Members of Parliament from the Upper West have been silent, the Caucus insists its strategy has been deliberate and targeted. Caucus Leader Hon. Dr. Sabastian N. Sandaare was present during the Roads and Highways Minister’s recent inspection tour of the project site — a move the group says underscores their direct engagement with top decision-makers.
“The notion that we’ve been quiet is not accurate,” a source close to the Caucus told reporters. “We’ve been applying pressure where it matters most — in the corridors of power. The Minister’s tour didn’t happen in a vacuum. It was the result of sustained lobbying and MPs relaying the daily frustrations of our people.”
A planned fact-finding tour by the Caucus to assess the road’s condition was delayed due to scheduling conflicts, but MPs say it remains on the agenda as part of a broader push for accountability.
From Complaints to Confrontation
According to the Caucus, MPs from the region have consistently channeled public anger into formal complaints to the Ministry of Roads and Highways and other relevant agencies. That pressure, they argue, culminated in the Minister’s direct engagement with contractors on site, where timelines and quality concerns were raised.
“The contractors now know they’re being watched at the highest level,” said one MP familiar with the discussions. “Our job is to make sure the excuses stop and the work starts.”
Next Stop: Wa–Tumu and Wa–Wenchi Stretches
The Caucus is not stopping at Wenchi–Bamboi–Bole–Sawla. Plans are underway for a tour of the Wa–Tumu and Wa–Wenchi stretches to gather firsthand evidence of the state of roads in the region. The findings will be compiled into what MPs describe as “informed feedback” to be escalated to the Presidency and Cabinet for urgent action.
“We need to see it, touch it, and document it ourselves,” Hon. Dr. Sandaare said. “You can’t demand speed and quality from Accra. We must bring the reality to the doorstep of power.”
Accountability Goes Both Ways
While demanding accountability from contractors and the Ministry, the Caucus is also urging the public to keep the pressure on all duty bearers — including MPs themselves. The group acknowledged that sustained civic advocacy has been critical in keeping the road project on the national agenda.
“We welcome the scrutiny. It’s what democracy demands,” the Caucus noted. “But it’s equally important for citizens to know that work is being done both publicly and privately to end this delay.”
Commendations
The Caucus singled out several MPs for their commitment to the cause, including Toobu Lanchene Peter, Hon. Cletus Seidu Dapilah, and Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, describing their dedication as “instrumental” in keeping the project from slipping off government’s priority list.
For residents along the corridor, the renewed political attention offers cautious hope. But with another rainy season approaching, they say the real measure of progress will be in kilometers of tarred road — not statements.
Reporting by Tuurosung
