President John Dramani Mahama has assured the chiefs and people of the North East Region of his Government’s commitment to provide them access road networks across the Region.

This is to support the Region’s socioeconomic development through the connectivity of towns and villages with good roads.

The President gave the assurance when he addressed the chiefs and people of the North East Region at Nalerigu, during his Thank You Tour of the Region.

President Mahama is embarking on the Thank You Tour across the country to express his gratitude to Ghanaians for their support for him and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the December 7, 2024, general election.

Prior to addressing the durbar, President Mahama had a closed door meeting the Overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sherigah II, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sherigah II at his Palace in Nalerigu.

Speaking at the durbar ground, President Mahama said: “In the North East Region, despite its strategic location and agricultural potential, it has long suffered from poor road connectivity. This is going to be outdated.”

“By the time I leave the office in four years, the North East Region will have some of the best roads in the country.”

He noted that guided by this, his government in the 2025 budget had made infrastructure development a priority, and they were committed to addressing the injustices the North East Region had faced.

He said one of their first priorities was the completion of the Mishio Bridge in the West Mamprusi municipality.

He said the Government had put the Mishio Bridge on the Big Push, which is a programme where they have devoted GH₵ 20 billion to infrastructure development.

The President noted that the Finance Minister had said that all contractors who were executing projects under the Big Push, anytime they present certificates for payment, within two weeks they would be paid their money, so that the projects will not stall.

President Mahama said the Mishio Bridge would unlock access to neighbouring regions; like the Upper East, the Northern, Savannah, and Upper West Regions; and that new trade corridors would open, especially for agricultural products like yam, rice, and watermelon.

He said similarly, the Chereponi-Gbintiri-Nakpanduri roads, part of the broader Eastern Corridor Road network, had not been forgotten; saying “It is also under the Big Push project.”

He said other projects that the Government was targeting include Nalerigu-Bunkpurugu road, Wulgu-Yakba road, Nalerigu Town Roads, and the Chereponi-Wapuli-Yendi Road.

President Mahama said a contract was awarded for the reconstruction of the Savelugu-Walewale Road, unfortunately, that contract had stalled and GH₵30 million was paid to the contractor who had since vacated the site.

He said the Government was repackaging the road from Savelugu to Walewale and also putting it under the Big Push for rehabilitation.