A District Held Back by Its Roads
For decades, the road network has been described as the district's single-biggest infrastructure challenge. Talensi has only one tarred road — spanning from Winkogo junction to Tongo central — while the rest of the network is made up of feeder roads, the longest being the 14km Sheaga–Buing stretch and the shortest the 3.4km Yinduri junction–Yinduri road.
When it rains, many of these roads become impassable, cutting off farms, markets, schools and health centres. This not only hampers daily life but also suppresses the economic potential of rural Talensi.
Turning Point: Field Inspections Underway
Under the leadership of Hon. DCE John Millim Nabwomya, the Assembly has embarked on field inspections of ongoing and proposed road infrastructure projects across the district, reaffirming government's commitment to improving connectivity and accelerating local development.
The Vision: A Connected Talensi
- Tongo – Sheaga – Duusi: The Assembly is taking concrete steps to tar this vital corridor linking the district capital to the farming hinterlands.
- Duusi – Pelungu – Kongo Junction: In collaboration with the DCE for Nabdam District, this stretch will continue from Duusi through Pelungu to connect with the Bolgatanga–Bawku highway.
- Tongo – TongoBeo Road: A strategic shortcut to the Bolgatanga–Bawku road that eases congestion in Bolga's central business district.
- Yinduri–Santeng & Wakii–Tengzug Roads: Unlocking the epicentre of Talensi culture — Tenzug, Yinduri and Santeng — to boost tourism.
The construction of these roads will not only ease traffic congestion in the central business district of Bolga, but also offer alternative and shorter routes to Bawku and Togo.
What These Roads Will Unlock
The Tongo–Duusi road, when constructed, will open up the hinterlands for developmental purposes — bringing markets, schools, health facilities and agricultural inputs within reach of remote communities. It will shorten travel times, reduce post-harvest losses, and connect Talensi farmers directly to buyers.
At the same time, the tourism corridor to Yinduri, Santeng and Tengzug will capitalise on the district's rich cultural heritage — the very places the DCE describes as "the epicenter of Talensi culture" — alongside his vision for an Eco-museum that preserves the artefacts telling the story of the entire Talensi land.
Way Forward
The Assembly continues to work with the central government, the Regional Minister and the Member of Parliament to secure funding and accelerate these road projects. Each step brings Talensi closer to a network that serves its people — not just tarmac, but opportunity.
