President John Dramani Mahama has commended Brazilian construction firm Queiroz Galvão Construction (QGMI) for swiftly remobilising to site following the resumption of work on the 117.94-kilometre Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road project.

The President, accompanied by the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, inspected ongoing works on the new Zuarungu Bridge over the Kunbangre River as part of his Resetting Ghana Tour of the Upper East Region.

Reflecting on the history of the project, President Mahama expressed concern about the financial constraints that led to QGMI suspending operations and leaving the site following his previous term in office.

He said the worsening debt crisis under the previous administration affected the government’s ability to meet its financial obligations to contractors.

President Mahama said that upon assuming office, the current NDC administration directed the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Ministry of Finance to engage the contractor and facilitate its return to the project.

“Although this project does not fall directly under the Big Push Programme, it is an associated Big Push project, and any certificates raised will be honoured promptly,” President Mahama assured.

He praised QGMI’s track record in Ghana, citing its successful delivery of major projects, including the Tamale Airport project.

“You executed the Tamale Airport project and many others in Ghana. We encourage you to maintain those high standards, and I assure you that your payments will be made on time so you can complete this project on schedule,” he said.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the highway, President Mahama said the road would serve as a critical link to the Eastern Corridor, which is being developed to create a seamless transit network connecting the northern and southern parts of the country.

“The Eastern Corridor links up with this road, and we are currently scoping the stretch from Nakpanduri through Garu to Kulungungu,” he said.

“The objective is to establish a continuous road network providing an alternative route to Accra through Garu, Nakpanduri, Gushegu, Bimbilla, and down the corridor through Hohoe, Jasikan, the Adomi Bridge, Tema, and into Accra,” he added.

Briefing the President at the project site, Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza disclosed that the contractor had previously halted operations over €28 million in unpaid certificates.

He said, on the President’s directive, €8 million was disbursed to settle part of the outstanding debt and facilitate the contractor’s return to site.

“We have re-engaged the contractors, moved away from loan dependency, and secured direct funding commitments. The contractors have begun clearing the site, bringing in heavy equipment, and we are committed to ensuring work continues uninterrupted until completion,” he said.