PM Dion Ngute Opens Bamenda–Babadjou Road, Rallies Support for Biya’s Re-Election

Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, Prime Minister, and Head of Government.

The long-delayed Bamenda–Babadjou road is finally open. Prime Minister and Head of Government, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, officially cut the ribbon on the 35-kilometer stretch linking Babadjou in the West Region to the entrance of Bamenda on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, in a ceremony that blended infrastructure triumph with political messaging.

The project, which began on July 4, 2017, suffered repeated setbacks due to insecurity and attacks, including an August 22, 2018 arson incident in Akum where separatist fighters burned heavy-duty equipment belonging to contractor Sogea Satom. 

Despite this, the Prime Minister noted, government remained determined to see the road completed and eventually brought in BUNS Construction Company to speed up execution.

Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute Talking to the Media.

With this commissioning, the Yaoundé–Bafoussam–Bamenda–Ekok–Enugu corridor is nearly complete, leaving only the 6.2-kilometer Bamenda Urban Crossing — a 30-meter-wide, 26.7-billion-franc project — still under construction. 

“This road is more than asphalt; it is a lifeline for farmers, traders, and families. It will boost trade, reduce transport costs, and improve access to markets,” Dion Ngute declared to the crowd, underlining the road’s significance for the economic revival of the region.

During the Working Session at North West Regional Assembly.

Following the ribbon-cutting, the Prime Minister presided over a working session at the Northwest Regional Assembly, where he was presented with an extensive overview of ongoing development initiatives. 

These include the construction of toilets in schools, new bridges, modern playgrounds, installation of streetlights, waste disposal platforms, rehabilitation of the municipal library, and the extension of water supply in Bamenda I. 

Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute Launching The Urban Crossing.

Officials reported that 504 meters of road have already been completed through direct labor, providing employment for 200 young people and creating nearly as many indirect jobs. The municipal slaughterhouse has been rehabilitated, while construction is ongoing for 420 new market stalls in Nkwen. 

Road upgrades are also being carried out on key streets such as Vicky Street, Fon’s Street, and Ndamukong to Foncha, alongside other improvements like playground rehabilitation at GS Upstation and the Bamenda Parcours Vita.

Cross Section of the Population Flanked by Goodwill Messages.

Under the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, several significant road works have been delivered, including the tarring of the Welcome to Bamenda–Tradex Road and roads around the University of Bamenda, totaling five kilometers. Two major bridges — one at La Chance in Mankon and another linking Mile 3 to Mile 4 — have also been completed. 

Plans to tar the Customs Junction–GBHS Bamenda road were also announced, much to the excitement of residents who have long awaited a comprehensive transformation of Bamenda’s road network.

Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute Inaugurating Mile 4 Bridge.

The Prime Minister also officially commissioned the Mile 4 bridge, which has been a major source of concern during the rainy season, and laid the foundation stone for a new administrative block at the Mile 4 Market. 

He later inspected progress on the Ecole des Champions–Amour Mezam stretch, which is currently 54 percent complete, and launched construction work on the Bamenda Urban Crossing at Veterinary Junction.

       Cross Section of Traditional Rulers.

For many residents, the day’s events represented more than just infrastructure upgrades. In a city scarred by years of conflict and poor road conditions, the reopening of the Bamenda–Babadjou road is being celebrated as a symbol of hope and a step toward restoring normalcy. 

“The road was a nightmare. Transport was costly and risky. Today, we feel a sense of relief and optimism,” said one commuter.

       Cross Section of North West Elites.

Yet the visit was not only about development. In an emphatic address, Prime Minister Dion Ngute used the occasion to urge the population to stand behind President Paul Biya in the upcoming elections, framing him as the architect of the region’s development. 

“In order to support his visionary approach, which prioritizes the balanced development of all regions, we know the choice to make in the upcoming elections,” he said. “With President Paul Biya we will succeed. With President Paul Biya, we can succeed. With President Paul Biya, we must succeed.”

His remarks were interpreted as a clear signal of the ruling party’s re-election campaign kick-off in the Northwest, positioning infrastructure and reconstruction as key political selling points.