Death Trap on Wheels: The Deplorable Wa–Tumu–Bolga Road Crippling Lives and Livelihoods

The Wa–Tumu–Bolga road, once a vital economic and social lifeline for communities in the Upper West and Upper East Regions, has now become a symbol of neglect and human suffering. The road’s deplorable condition continues to take a heavy toll on traders, travellers, and students who depend on it daily.

For years, residents and road users have endured unimaginable hardship, navigating through deep mud, flooded gullies, and crumbling sections that make travel both exhausting and dangerous. Traders transporting perishable goods such as tomatoes and vegetables are often the worst hit—many watch helplessly as their produce spoils before reaching the market, leading to financial losses that push entire families deeper into poverty.

Beyond its economic impact, the Wa–Tumu–Bolga road has become a death trap. Numerous accidents have claimed precious lives, leaving behind grieving families and devastated communities. A recent tragic example is the untimely death of the late principal of the Tumu College of Education, who lost his life while travelling on this same treacherous route.

The dangers do not end there. The poor condition of the road has also made it a haven for armed robbers, who exploit stranded vehicles and slow-moving traffic to attack travellers. Many have been robbed of their valuables, while others have suffered life-threatening assaults.

The consequences of this neglect extend into the education sector as well. Every weekend, students pursuing programmes at the University for Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) in Wa struggle to make the perilous journey to lectures. Many working professionals enrolled in weekend programmes are forced to miss classes because the road is nearly impassable, especially during the rainy season.

It is high time the government treated the Wa–Tumu–Bolga road as a national priority under its “Big Push” infrastructure agenda. The continued loss of lives, livelihoods, and opportunities along this corridor is unacceptable. This critical route, which connects communities, markets, and educational institutions, deserves immediate attention and reconstruction.

We cannot continue to lose lives and property while travelling along this road. The time to act is now.

Wa-Tumu-Bolga people are watching!

FAB's Gist.