Residents of Babile Demand Urgent Action on Abandoned Jirapa - Babile Road

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Residents of Babile in the Lawra Municipality of the Upper West Region are calling for immediate government intervention to address the hazardous condition of the long-abandoned Babile–Jirapa road. According to residents, the road, which was awarded for construction in 2008, has remained incomplete for nearly 17 years, transforming into a perilous zone that residents say has become a “death trap.”

Speaking to Info Radio, the Regent of Babile, Vitus Kadoe Dapilah, expressed profound frustration over the prolonged neglect, highlighting the deteriorating state of the roadway—particularly a damaged culvert—as a primary factor behind numerous fatal accidents. The road is heavily trafficked due to the bustling markets in Babile and Jirapa, making its condition a critical concern for local safety and economic activity.

In response to these concerns, Lawra’s Member of Parliament, Bede Ziendeng, acknowledged awareness of the issue and assured residents that steps are underway to address it. He explained that government officials are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the original contract, including why the project was left incomplete and why the contractor failed to deliver. Once these inquiries are concluded, the next steps—potentially including the termination of the current contract and re-awarding the project—will be taken. The MP also indicated that the road could be incorporated into ongoing national road rehabilitation programs once the necessary procedural steps are fulfilled.