Alhaji Maulvi Noor Mohammed Bin Salih, Ameer and Missionary-in-Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Ghana, has publicly lamented the consistently poor condition of roads leading to Wa. He stated the situation has remained unchanged since his birth, highlighting a decades-long infrastructure challenge.
This critical observation came during his welcome address to delegates attending the Majlis Ansarullah (Elders) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Wa. The poor road network significantly hinders the movement of people, agricultural produce, goods, and services. This directly affects economic activity and trade between the Upper West Region and other parts of Ghana, as well as neighbouring countries.
The persistent state of these roads reflects a broader national challenge in infrastructure development, particularly in less urbanised regions. Data from the Ghana Statistical Service often points to disparities in regional development, with road quality being a key indicator. Previous government initiatives, such as the 'Year of Roads' campaign, aimed to address such deficits. However, the Ameer's comments suggest that significant improvements are yet to reach critical areas like Wa.
Alhaji Bin Salih recounted a personal anecdote, sharing how his young son questioned if the road was once good. He responded, "No my son, since I was born, this road has always been like this." This powerful statement underscores the deep-seated nature of the problem. He also expressed regret for not being present to join local residents in their past agitations and petitioning the government over road conditions.
The continued poor state of these vital transport links has serious implications for regional economic growth and social development. Businesses face higher logistics costs, farmers struggle to transport produce to markets, and access to essential services becomes more difficult. Decision-makers must address these infrastructure gaps to unlock the Upper West Region's full economic potential and improve living standards for its residents. The government's response to such public calls for infrastructure investment will be closely watched by citizens and investors alike.
The Ameer's remarks also extended beyond infrastructure, urging the elders to recognise their broader societal responsibilities. He stated, "We must know that we have a mission for this country. The future of this country is in our hands." This highlights the collective responsibility in addressing national challenges, including economic development and infrastructure. The Ahmadiyya community's commitment, he noted, gives him hope that Ghana can overcome its challenges, asserting, "Ghana is not finished; we shall make it, Insha Allah."
The economic impact of poor roads is substantial, leading to increased vehicle maintenance costs, longer travel times, and reduced market access for goods. This can depress local economies and discourage investment. Addressing these issues requires significant public finance allocation and efficient project execution. The government's ability to deliver on infrastructure promises remains a key factor in fostering equitable national development and boosting regional economies.