In a major push for infrastructure-led economic growth, President John Dramani Mahama has concluded a high-level inspection of the 80km Jinijini-Sampa road project in the Bono Region. The road, which forms the core of the broader 119km Berekum-Sampa stretch, is being upgraded from a traditional bitumen surface to a high-durability asphaltic concrete finish.
The project is being executed by Rango Construction Limited, a prominent Ghanaian-owned civil engineering firm, and is expected to reach full completion by December 2027.
1. Upgrading to "Asphaltic Standard"
During his address to the chiefs and people of the area, President Mahama emphasized the shift in engineering standards for the region's primary arteries.
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Durability Reset: Unlike the previous bitumen surface, which was prone to rapid deterioration under heavy cargo, the new asphalt layer is designed to withstand the high-tonnage traffic common on this international route.
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Timeline: The President expressed confidence that the current pace of work by Rango Construction would see the project delivered within the next 21 months.
2. The Economic Engine: Cashew and Cross-Border Trade
The Paramount Chief of the Drobo Traditional Area, Okokyeredom Sakyi Ako II, highlighted that the road is not merely a transport route but a "pivotal pillar" of the national economy.
Strategic Importance: | Sector | Impact of the Jinijini-Sampa Road | | :--- | :--- | | Agriculture | Passes through Ghana’s primary cashew-growing hub, facilitating the movement of nuts from farms to processing centers. | | International Trade | Serves as a primary land link between Ghana and Ivory Coast, boosting ECOWAS regional integration. | | Regional Transit | Connects Berekum to the strategic border town of Sampa, improving access for thousands of residents in the Bono enclave. |
3. Local Content in Engineering
The President lauded the fact that a Ghanaian-owned firm, Rango Construction, is leading such a massive civil engineering feat. This aligns with the government's 2026 "Local Content Reset," which prioritizes indigenous contractors for critical national infrastructure to ensure that project capital stays within the local economy.
4. Traditional Leadership Support
Okokyeredom Sakyi Ako II, who also serves as the Vice President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, thanked the President for fulfilling the long-standing plea of the people. However, he urged the government to maintain strict oversight on the "timely completion" of the project to ensure that the 2027 deadline is met without further delays.
The Bottom Line
The Jinijini-Sampa road is the "Cashew Corridor" that fuels the Bono Region's economy. By upgrading this route to an international asphaltic standard, the government is effectively lowering the cost of doing business for farmers and cross-border traders alike. As the President continues his two-day tour of the region, the focus remains clear: Connecting the hinterlands to the global market.
