Residents of the Garu District in the Upper East Region are urging the government to fast-track the completion of long-overdue township road projects, warning that deteriorating road conditions are disrupting daily activities and undermining local economic growth.

The district, which was carved out of the former Garu-Tempane District in 2018, is predominantly rural, with agriculture serving as the main source of livelihood.

However, residents say the poor state of road infrastructure continues to limit access to markets and essential services.

Several key roads, including those linking Garu to Bawku and Bolgatanga, remain untarred. These routes become excessively dusty during the dry season and muddy and nearly impassable when it rains, increasing transportation costs and making travel difficult.

Important trade routes such as the Garu–Bawku road and the Garu–Tempane–Togo border stretch are particularly affected, with residents noting that seasonal damage often renders them unusable.

Beyond the economic impact, locals say the poor roads are also affecting their health, especially during the Harmattan period when dust pollution becomes severe.

Transport operators have also raised concerns about the frequent breakdown of vehicles due to the rough terrain.

Assembly Member Bartholomew Asoore Asumble expressed hope that ongoing interventions could bring some relief.

“The DRIP machines in the district are our only hope. Aside from that, we are appealing to government to pay attention to this part of the country so we can have better roads,” he said.

Drivers in the area have echoed similar frustrations, citing rising maintenance costs.

The Garu Secretary of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, Adams Asana, noted that the condition of the roads is taking a toll on both drivers and their businesses.

“They are constantly visiting mechanics, and that has become a major challenge for them and for us,” he stated.

Residents are therefore calling for urgent government intervention to improve the road network and ease the burden on commuters and businesses in the district.