The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Upper East Region has criticised the government’s decision to exclude the region from the proposed US$500 million Ghana Market Access and Connectivity Project (GMACP), describing the omission as a major setback for one of the country’s key food-producing regions.
Addressing a press conference in Bolgatanga on Monday, the party’s Upper East Regional Communications Director, Peter Ayinbisa, said the NPP was “deeply disturbed” after reviewing the financing memorandum presented to Parliament by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson seeking approval for the World Bank-funded initiative.
The project, financed through an International Development Association (IDA) credit facility, aims to rehabilitate about 1,050 kilometres of climate-resilient feeder roads to improve farm-to-market access, reduce post-harvest losses and lower transportation costs across selected regions.
While regions including Upper West, Northern, Savannah, Oti, Volta, Eastern, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Western North, Western, Central and Ahafo stand to benefit, the Upper East Region was omitted.
Mr Ayinbisa argued that the exclusion contradicts the project’s stated objectives, insisting that the Upper East remains one of Ghana’s major agricultural hubs.
He cited Builsa South, a leading producer of rice and maize, as well as farming communities in Bongo, Bawku Municipality, Bawku West, Binduri, Garu and Pusiga, where poor feeder roads continue to increase transport costs, limit market access and reduce farmers’ earnings.
“The Upper East Region has contributed immensely to Ghana’s agricultural economy for decades. Our farmers continue to feed this nation despite enormous infrastructural challenges. They deserve fairness,” he said.
The party questioned the criteria used in selecting beneficiary regions and urged the Government and the World Bank to review the list before implementation begins.
It also appealed to the Upper East Caucus in Parliament, the Regional Minister and other stakeholders to intensify advocacy to ensure the region secures its share of the investment, warning that continued exclusion would deepen infrastructure deficits and constrain agricultural growth.
Source: bolgafmonline.com|102.7 MHz| Bolgatanga
