WA, Upper West Region – May 5, 2026
The Minister for Roads and Highways has issued a firm warning to construction firm MESSRS MARIPOMA Enterprise Limited, the contractor managing the 140-kilometer Solar-to-Wa road project. They are required to “physically demonstrate commitment” by Thursday or risk losing part or all of the contract.
Addressing concerns during a site visit in the Upper West Region, the Minister dismissed doubts that recent work on the stretch was merely “optics” meant to deceive officials.
“I can guarantee you, no contractor can deceive us. We are not interested in slogans and optics — we want real results,” he said. “Roads are such that when you build them, people see them. It’s not virtual; it is real.”
The Solar-to-Wa stretch was awarded to Myopoma in 2024. The Minister recalled visiting the site last year with his deputy, where they observed a large asphalt plant and parked machinery, only for work to stop once the delegation left.
“I understand your skepticism about whether what you saw on the road in the past three days was real or meant to deceive,” he added.
The Minister clarified that the Regional Minister and MPs from Upper West and Savannah have been “consistently” pushing for work to resume, with caucus leader Dr. Sandare present at the engagement as proof of their involvement. “MPs are not unaware of your plight. This assembly exists because of you,” he stated.
Following a 30-minute strategy session with the Ghana Highways Authority, the Chief Director, and the sector minister, the Ministry has summoned Myopoma’s contractors to report to Accra on Thursday, May 8.
“They must clearly demonstrate their willingness and commitment physically. We are not saying they should wait till Thursday — we saw them strengthening their shoulders yesterday. But there is a long road,” the Minister said.
He revealed that Myopoma holds the largest share of government road contracts nationwide and “draws down the largest portion of government money on roads.”
“Since he’s interested in every road, including any one-inch road in every corner, he must pay the same attention to this one. No road is more important than another.”
While the Minister said he has not yet issued a public ultimatum due to the project’s 140km scale, the outcome of Thursday’s meeting will determine the next steps.
“If we get the impression that they cannot deliver as required, we will be happy to either scale back their scope and invite other players to create competition, or tell them to step out entirely,” he said.
He disclosed that over 5,000 contractors have signed up for the President’s “Big Push” infrastructure program, highlighting that there is “no shortage of contractors willing to invest and build the roads.”
The Minister viewed the intervention as a “wake-up call” to Myopoma. “The bigger your opportunities, the bigger the responsibility you bear. I don’t understand why we find ourselves in this situation where many contractors in WA are eager to work on this project but are not getting it, while someone else gets it and is not doing it.”
He emphasized that the “Big Push” and other government road projects are centered around Ghanaian contractors, engineers, suppliers, and artisans. “It would be a disappointment if any Ghanaian participating in the road contract lets us down.”
The outcome of Thursday’s meeting will be communicated “properly through the Regional Minister” to the community. The Regional Minister and caucus leader are expected to address the press after the engagement.