President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo cut sod for the construction of the Sokode–Titrinu bypass as part of the dualisation of Sokode–Ho roads. The sod cutting ceremony was held at the UHAS junction on the bypass during the President’s tour of parts of the Volta Region on September 1.
The 10.5km road construction project, to be undertaken within 24 months by First Sky Ltd., includes 5.3km of internal roads of University of Health and Allied Sciences, which will link the University to the dual carriage road that runs from Sokode to Ho and Adaklu communities. Some of the UHAS roads to be tackled include: Main Entrance Road, Lecture Hall Link, Auditorium Link and Basic School Road.
The construction starts from the Sokode–Etoe intersection of the Sokode–Ho dual carriageway, through the entrance of UHAS Main Campus to the proposed Mirage intersection, and ends at the main entrance of Ho Technical University. It will be a dual carriageway with asphaltic concrete finish, fitted with drainage infrastructure, walkways and streetlights.
On the sidelines of the event, UHAS Vice Chancellor Prof. John Gyapong recounted to the press the challenges facing the University due to the poor nature of the roads, especially as a COVID 19 testing centre for Volta and Oti regions, and parts of Eastern region:
“The main challenge has been poor access roads for the vehicles bringing the samples from the health facilities. I am sure the health facilities will be excited to see you cut sod for this road to be constructed today.”
He reiterated the importance of the project to the UHAS community: “This road once completed, will be a lifeline in the efficient pursuit of our mandate as an institution focused on community service and care.”
Chiefs of Sokode, management, staff and students of University of Health and Allied Sciences witnessed the event, along with scores of supporters of the ruling government’s New Patriotic Party, who thronged the venue for the ceremony.