By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Tarkwa
Residents of New Atuabo and surrounding communities in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality are set to benefit from a major infrastructure boost as Gold Fields Ghana Foundation breaks ground for the construction of a 2.1-kilometre bypass road.
The new route, valued at GH¢11.6 million, will connect Budo Junction to Bogoso Junction, offering a vital alternative to the heavily congested Tarkwa Station-Bogoso Junction corridor.
The bypass is expected to ease traffic flow and improve accessibility through the New Atuabo resettlement community, which was established over 20 years ago to house residents displaced by mining operations. The community, which has long advocated for better infrastructure, petitioned the Foundation whose work in host communities focuses on key development pillars including infrastructure to support the road project.
“This road is more than just a transportation project. It is an investment in local economic growth, time efficiency, and improved access for the people of New Atuabo, Bogoso, Aboso, and Damang,” Abdel Razak Yakubu, Executive Secretary of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation said.
He said, when completed, the road will allow commuters from surrounding towns to bypass the frequently congested Tarkwa Main Station, particularly during peak hours. This alternative route he said is expected to reduce travel time, enhance logistics efficiency, and boost regional connectivity. Although he said, the project is scheduled to be completed in two years, the contractor has expressed confidence in finishing the work within one year due to the availability of equipment and financial resources.
Mr. Yakubu pointed out that “the initiative represents a collaboration of shared purpose between the Foundation, the community, local authorities, and technical experts. We are proud to play a role in unlocking development opportunities through targeted infrastructure investments.” He said Gold Fields aims to build lasting value for both host communities and the regional economy.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Issah Salifu Taylor expressed gratitude to the Foundation for making the project a reality. “This is a long-awaited project, and I’m proud it is happening under my leadership,” he said.
He praised Gold Fields Ghana for their continuous contribution to infrastructural development in the municipality, noting that their efforts, along with other stakeholders, have played a vital role in pushing the project forward. The MP reaffirmed his commitment to improving local infrastructure, stating that the inner roads are critical to unlocking the area’s economic potential. “Our highways are good, but after leaving the highway, you must still be able to reach your home comfortably. That’s where the challenge has been,” he said.
He explained that in addition to New Atuabo, plans are underway to rehabilitate several other roads in the constituency. “Good roads facilitate commerce, access to healthcare, education, and general ease of movement. No community can develop without proper roads,” the MP added.
William Amponsah, the General Manager of Woodbine Construction (contractor for the project) requested that local residents work cooperatively with the construction team to ensure that the project runs smoothly. He promised the community that the project will be completed on schedule.
