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Residents Demand Action on Abandoned Salaga–Kumdi–Kpandai Highway

Introduction

Residents across the Salaga South Municipal Area and the Kpandai District are intensifying calls for government intervention regarding the stalled construction of the critical Salaga–Kumdi–Kpandai highway. This infrastructure project, which remains the sole direct link between the Savannah and Northern regions, has become a symbol of infrastructural neglect, causing significant economic disruption and safety hazards for thousands of commuters. The prolonged abandonment of this 45.3-kilometre stretch has not only paralyzed local commerce but also severely compromised access to essential social services, prompting a unified appeal for immediate remedial action.

Key Points

Background

The Salaga–Kumdi–Kpandai highway was identified as a strategic infrastructure project to enhance regional integration and economic development in the northern belt of Ghana. In 2019, the government officially launched the project with high expectations. The plan involved constructing a 45.3-kilometre road designed to withstand heavy traffic and seasonal weather patterns, with an initial projected completion date of 2023.

However, by late 2021, visible progress on the ground had halted. Large sections of the road were left in an unfinished state, vulnerable to the elements. Without proper surfacing and drainage, the earth road quickly deteriorated into a maze of deep craters and gullies. This deterioration has been compounded by the lack of maintenance on alternative routes, such as the Salaga–Loloto–Jamboai highway, which links the area to the Krachi Nchumuru District in the Oti Region. Consequently, communities including Kumdi, Kayereso, and Salaga have become increasingly isolated, particularly during the rainy season.

Analysis

The Socio-Economic Ripple Effect

The abandonment of the Salaga–Kumdi–Kpandai highway transcends mere inconvenience; it represents a bottleneck in the national food supply chain. Salaga and Kpandai are agricultural hubs. When the road network fails, the “farm-to-market” distance effectively doubles in travel time and cost. This logistical nightmare directly contributes to post-harvest losses, a chronic issue in Ghana’s agricultural sector. Farmers are unable to transport perishable goods to commercial centers before they spoil, reducing household incomes and threatening food security in southern markets.

Health and Safety Implications

Pedagogically, this situation illustrates the direct link between infrastructure and public health. The physical condition of the road—described by residents as having “deep potholes”—increases the risk of road traffic accidents due to erratic driving maneuvers to avoid craters. More critically, the road becomes impassable during heavy rains. This isolation means that emergency medical situations, such as childbirth complications or acute illnesses, face dangerous delays. Ambulances cannot navigate the terrain, forcing residents to rely on informal, often unsafe transport methods to reach facilities.

Political Accountability and Governance

Historically, the road has been a prominent feature in election campaigns, yet tangible leadership has been scarce. The current crisis highlights a gap in contract management and oversight. When a contractor abandons a site, it raises questions regarding the enforcement of contractual obligations and the mechanism for redress. The District Chief Executive for Kpandai, Haruna Abdul-Karim, has acknowledged these concerns, signaling a shift from passive observation to active investigation.

Practical Advice

For Residents and Commuters

While awaiting government intervention, residents can take the following measures to mitigate risks:

• Travel Timing: Avoid traveling during peak rainfall hours when the road is most likely to be flooded or washed away.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure vehicles are serviced regularly to withstand the rough terrain, particularly suspension systems and tires.
• Community Advocacy: Organized community groups should document and report specific incidents (e.g., ambulance delays) to the District Assembly to build a case for urgency.

For Stakeholders and Government Bodies

The District Assembly’s move to engage the Department of Urban Roads is a positive first step. The following practical steps are recommended to resolve the impasse:

• Contract Auditing: Immediately review the status of the original contract. If the contractor has abandoned the site without valid reason, terminate the contract and re-tender the project to ensure completion.
• Interim Maintenance: Implement immediate palliative measures (e.g., filling major craters with laterite and gravel) to make the road passable while long-term construction is planned.
• Integration into National Agendas: Formally submit the project for consideration under the “Big Push” infrastructure agenda to secure dedicated funding for rural road networks.

FAQ

Conclusion

The plight of the Salaga–Kumdi–Kpandai highway is a stark reminder of how infrastructure failure cripples economic potential and endangers lives. The residents of Salaga South and Kpandai have done their part by highlighting the issue; the onus is now on the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the District Assembly to enforce accountability. Resuming construction is not merely a matter of road repair—it is a vital step toward securing the food supply chain, improving public health outcomes, and fulfilling the developmental promises made to the northern regions. Immediate action is required to transform this deserted stretch into a functional economic corridor.