Nabdam Has Just One Tarred Road – Nawaane Appeals for Government Intervention

The Member of Parliament for Nabdam, Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, has raised the alarm over the dire state of road infrastructure in his constituency, calling on the government to urgently intervene. According to the MP, Nabdam currently has just one tarred road, a situation he describes as unacceptable and detrimental to both economic growth and social development.

Speaking in an interview with Citi News on Sunday, August 3, 2025, Dr. Nawaane revealed that the only bitumen-surfaced road in the entire district is the segment of the Bolgatanga–Bawku highway that cuts through Nabdam. Aside from that, the rest of the roads remain untarred, dusty, and in poor condition, posing serious challenges to transportation and trade.

“This is a constituency with significant commercial activity, and yet we have only one tarred stretch — the Bolga–Bawku road that happens to pass through the area,” Dr. Nawaane stated. “Meanwhile, our main economic artery — the road that runs from Asonge through Zanlerigu, Damolgu, and Tindongo to Pelungu — remains in a deplorable state.”

He stressed that this particular road is central to economic life in Nabdam, serving as a lifeline for farmers, traders, and commuters. The MP believes its rehabilitation should be prioritized immediately to unlock the constituency’s full economic potential.

Dr. Nawaane disclosed that his office is actively engaging the Ministry of Roads and Highways to secure a commitment for the construction of this key route. He confirmed ongoing discussions with the sector minister and said he had personally impressed upon him the urgent need to upgrade the road.

“I’ve told the Roads Minister clearly — even if no other road project is done in Nabdam, just fix that one,” the MP emphasized. “That road connects several communities and drives most of the economic activity here.”

He expressed hope that a breakthrough might be possible under existing government initiatives. According to him, the government currently has two road development programmes, including one tied to the Agenda 111 hospital project, which earmarks 10 kilometers of road construction per district. Dr. Nawaane is optimistic that Nabdam could benefit under this framework.

“There’s a national policy to construct 10 kilometers of road in each district as part of the district hospital initiative,” he said. “I’m hopeful that with continued engagement, this key route in Nabdam will be addressed within the next four years.”

Residents in the constituency have long voiced concerns over the state of their roads, arguing that the lack of reliable infrastructure continues to hamper development. Many say the poor condition of roads has discouraged private investment, delayed access to healthcare and education, and increased transportation costs.

During the rainy season, some communities become virtually cut off, as roads become muddy and impassable. These challenges, locals say, have been persistent for years despite repeated appeals to authorities.

Dr. Nawaane echoed these frustrations, adding that the state of roads has a direct effect on the quality of life in the district. “If roads are poor, farmers struggle to send goods to market, teachers avoid postings to the area, and health personnel find it hard to reach communities. It affects everything,” he explained.

He is now urging the government to take immediate and deliberate steps to address road neglect in Nabdam, arguing that equal access to infrastructure is critical to inclusive national development.

“I am not asking for too much,” Dr. Nawaane concluded. “I am simply asking that the people of Nabdam be given the same attention and support as other districts. We deserve basic infrastructure that supports our dignity and our future.”

As residents continue to wait for meaningful progress, the MP remains determined to keep pressing the issue until the roads of Nabdam are finally transformed.