The Bolgatanga East District Assembly in the Upper East Region has begun a demolition exercise to clear structures that have been built on land designated for road construction.
The exercise has affected residents in Dulugo, the Zuarungu township, and other parts of the district, as the Assembly seeks to create new roads.
The Assembly, with support from the Member of Parliament for the area, who contributed GH¢150,000 towards the project, has been working with assembly members to open up new roads and prevent people from erecting structures on lands reserved for road networks.
At Zuarungu Zonno, the Assembly’s works team encountered resistance as some community members protested against the road construction by blocking a newly carved-out road with tree branches.
On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the residents prevented the Assembly’s works team from continuing the exercise, believing that a certain woman had influenced the Assembly’s decision to construct the road.
It took the intervention of the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Jacob Abugri Aka-Eri, for the residents to allow the work to continue.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Aka-Eri noted that the Assembly is determined to ensure that new roads are properly laid out to open up the district and prevent the haphazard construction of structures.
“We were challenged by resources but with support of the MP, we resumed the work. These roads are only on paper but we have decided to work on them. On the 19th May the Youth of Zonno stopped us and I told the Assembly Member to continue with consultation and we resumed work and the youth are still protesting but I had to intervene to explain to them. Fortunately, they have understood us and allowed the work to continue. I want to encourage the various communities. Especially, the chiefs, tindamas and the assembly members to begin sensitizing our people for them to know that wherever a road is passing, they should exercise patience and let it go. If we’re opening up roads, it is for access and to gradually bring development to the communities.” He admonished.
Meanwhile, Stanley Abopam, a social commentator, commended the Bolga East DCE for embarking on the initiative and urged him not to relent in his efforts to bring order to the district. “I will like to commend the Bolga East DCE. He is not loud but is silently working to build the district. He should continue. This is what we want and without being derogatory, I think that it is ridiculous that in this age and time, people will still disagree with development authorities who are bringing them development.” He said.
According to Mr. Abopam, the DCE should not be concerned about criticism or name-calling but should remain focused on doing what is right for the development of the district.
“He should not stop. As for those demonstrating, the road to Zuarungu, is it not somebody’s farm land and the plots we are selling, are expecting the people to be flying into those houses?” He questioned.
