The Upper East Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association William Nlanjerbor Jalulah has called on the Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu to work to improve the road network in the region especially the regional capital, Bolgatanga.
According to Mr. Jalulah, the situation in the Bolgatanga Municipality does not befit its status as a regional capital as many of the roads are in deplorable condition with interconnecting roads not properly carved out for usage.
Apart from the poor road network, the recently sworn-in regional GJA Chairman noted that the street and traffic lightning system in the capital and other parts of the region is poor and needs to be improved.
Mr. Jalulah made the call on Tuesday July 5, 2022 during a courtesy call on the Upper East Regional Minister moments after an official handing over.
In his view, individuals who knock down street and traffic lights should be arrested and made to pay for the damage caused, adding, journalists in the region will continue to discharge their duties diligently regardless of the political administration for the development of the region.
“Being the regional capital, there are few things that are not in order so it doesn’t make it befitting enough. First of all, if you look at our road network, it is not properly organized. We don’t have roads connecting communities adequately within the township and sometimes you have to go round when there could be a short cut. So, if you could talk to the town planners, if there is a way, they could address this challenge.
Then also, our lightning system in town is very bad and poses security threat to residents and visitors. Sometimes street lights and traffic lights will be knocked by motorists, the police should arrest them and make them to pay,” Mr. Jalulah noted.
He added, “We are aware of our mandate as journalists and only call for an open door that helps us get the needed response to issues when they come up”.
Responding to the concerns raised by the GJA Chairman, the Regional Minister Stephen Yakubu admitted that the situation is worrying. The minister went on to lament about the building of structures on places designated for the construction of roads.
On the street lights, he disclosed that the challenge has to do with the unavailability of technicians to come in a timely manner to fix them as he talks about plans to extend to areas that have not been connected while they continue efforts to maintain the existing ones.
Mr. Jalulah, Manager of Bolgatanga based A1 Radio and three others, including Fatimah Astanga, of the GNA who is the Vice Chairperson, Albert Sore, of Joy News, Regional Secretary and Joshua Asaah, of A1 Radio, Treasurer, all went into the recently held regional GJA elections unopposed.
Following their election, the following persons have since been appointed as co-opted executives; Ebo Bruce Quansah of Daily Guide, Samuel Akapule of the Ghanaian Times and Albert Azongo, Manager of Dreamz Fm.
