The Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency, Hon. Issah Salifu Taylor, has held a high-level discussion with President John Dramani Mahama on the state of inner roads in the mining municipality, securing a firm commitment that construction will commence before 2028.
The meeting, described by the MP’s office as productive and forward-looking, focused on the urgent need to rehabilitate and upgrade the road network within Tarkwa-Nsuaem, a constituency that has long grappled with deteriorating inner roads despite its status as a major economic hub in the Western Region.
According to a statement from the MP’s office, the President gave concrete assurances that the promise to give Tarkwa-Nsuaem inner roads a new facelift will be fulfilled within the current term. The MP described the outcome as “a true testament to trustworthy, committed leadership.”
A Constituency with a Road Deficit
Tarkwa-Nsuaem is home to some of Ghana’s most productive gold mines, yet residents have consistently complained about the poor state of roads connecting communities such as Tarkwa township, Simpa, Nsuaem, New Atuabo, Benso, Dompim, and Ahwetieso.
The constituency’s road challenges are compounded by heavy truck traffic from mining operations, which accelerates the deterioration of both asphalt and unpaved surfaces.
In June 2026, the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Assembly reported that approximately 20 kilometres of roads had been reshaped and maintained across several communities under the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), including Simpa, Nsuaem, New Atuabo, Cyanide, Bonsa-Benso Road, Wassa Agona, Bogrekrom, Ahwetieso, and Boboobo .
The MP announced at that assembly meeting that construction of selected inner roads was expected to commence soon, with the sod-cutting ceremony to be performed by the President .
The MP’s Broader Infrastructure Agenda
Hon. Taylor has consistently prioritised road infrastructure since his historic election victory in December 2024, when he became the first National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate to win the Tarkwa-Nsuaem seat in 32 years, defeating incumbent George Mireku Duker .
In October 2025, the MP held an unprecedented engagement with media houses in the constituency, where he outlined several infrastructure projects, particularly improvements to inner roads. He revealed that construction had already begun on key roads such as New Atuabo, awarded on contract and expected to be completed in 2026 .
“As a trustee member of the Gold Fields Foundation and one of the company’s directors, I’m working closely with the foundation to improve inner roads in Tarkwa Nsuaem,” Hon. Taylor said at the time .
The MP has also been actively collaborating with private sector partners. In May 2025, the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly engaged Gold Fields Ghana Limited on key areas including environmental waste management, construction of inner roads, and youth employment .
Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has separately invested US$6.56 million in two major road projects in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Prestea-Huni Valley municipalities, including the 2.26-kilometre Budo City-Bogoso Junction Road, which was expected to be delivered in October 2026 .
Political Context
Hon. Taylor’s engagement with the President comes at a critical time for the constituency and for the broader Western Region. The MP has positioned himself as a bridge-builder, working across political lines and with private sector partners to deliver development.
In his media engagement, Hon. Taylor emphasised that his administration values inclusion and open communication, stressing that his campaign message urged voters to choose competence over party colours .
The MP has also been vocal about illegal mining, calling for a collective, non-partisan effort to combat the menace.
“In every mining constituency, illegal mining is an issue. It should be a national concern, not a political one. The President is also fighting it, and we must all join that effort,” he said .
What Happens Next
With the President’s commitment secured, the MP’s office says the next phase will involve the formal award of contracts and the scheduling of a sod-cutting ceremony. The Assembly has already passed a resolution supporting the construction of a bypass road from UMaT Basic School (UBaSS) through the Railway Station to improve traffic flow and accessibility within the municipality .
Residents of Tarkwa-Nsuaem are expected to closely monitor the delivery of this promise. For Hon. Taylor, who made history with his 2024 victory, the successful completion of the inner roads project would be a defining legacy of his first term.
“This is a true testament to trustworthy, committed leadership,” the MP’s statement concluded.
