By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Tarkwa
Residents in New Atuabo and nearby areas within the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality are expected to gain from a significant infrastructure development as the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation starts work on a 2.1-kilometre bypass road.
The new route, worth GH¢11.6 million, will link Budo Junction with Bogoso Junction, providing a crucial option to the overcrowded Tarkwa Station-Bogoso Junction route.
The new route is anticipated to reduce traffic congestion and enhance access within the New Atuabo resettlement area, which was created more than 20 years ago to accommodate people who were relocated due to mining activities. The neighborhood, which has consistently pushed for improved facilities, approached the Foundation, an organization that concentrates on essential development areas such as infrastructure to aid in the road construction.
"This highway goes beyond being a mere infrastructure initiative. It represents a commitment to boosting the local economy, enhancing time management, and providing better access for residents of New Atuabo, Bogoso, Aboso, and Damang," said Abdel Razak Yakubu, Executive Secretary of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation.
He mentioned that once finished, the road will enable commuters from nearby towns to avoid the often-crowded Tarkwa Main Station, especially during busy times. This new route, he said, is anticipated to cut down travel time, improve logistics efficiency, and strengthen regional connections. Even though he noted that the project is planned to be completed in two years, the contractor has shown confidence in finishing the work in one year because of the availability of machinery and financial support.
Mr. Yakubu noted that "the initiative reflects a partnership based on common goals between the Foundation, the community, local officials, and technical specialists. We are pleased to contribute to creating development possibilities through focused infrastructure investments." He mentioned that Gold Fields seeks to create long-term benefits for both the local communities and the regional economy.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Issah Salifu Taylor, thanked the Foundation for bringing the project to life. "This is a long-anticipated initiative, and I am pleased it is taking place under my guidance," he stated.
He commended Gold Fields Ghana for their ongoing support in enhancing infrastructure within the municipality, highlighting that their work, together with other partners, has been essential in advancing the project. The MP reasserted his dedication to upgrading local infrastructure, emphasizing that inner roads are key to realizing the area's economic growth. "Our highways are good, but once you exit the highway, you should still be able to get to your home easily. That’s where the difficulty lies," he mentioned.
He stated that, besides New Atuabo, efforts are being made to restore various other roads within the constituency. "Good roads promote trade, access to medical care, education, and overall mobility. No community can progress without adequate road infrastructure," the MP remarked.
William Amponsah, the General Manager of Woodbine Construction (the company handling the project) asked nearby residents to collaborate with the construction team to keep the project running efficiently. He assured the community that the project will be finished on time.