Residents of farming communities along the Koforidua-Nkurakan to Asesewa road in the Eastern Region have staged a protest over the deteriorating condition of the road.
The protest, held on Thursday, saw participation from communities including Ada, Magazine, Aboabo, Nkurakan, and Huhunya, as demonstrators demanded swift action from authorities to fix the road.
The road, which was awarded to a contractor over three years ago, remains largely uncompleted.
Protesters accused the contractor of a slow pace of work and failing to implement measures to reduce the dust pollution caused by the road construction.
Several shops along the road have closed due to the overwhelming dust pollution, while fatal crashes, especially among Okada riders, have become common as visibility worsens.
The demonstrators carried placards with inscriptions like “We deserve better roads” and “Stop the dust, save our children’s health.”
They also blocked sections of the road, causing a traffic jam but the police intervened to restore order.
Some traditional rulers including Nana Asiedu Oduro, Adukrom Akwamuhene and opinion leaders in the communities who joined the demonstrstors further criticized the contractor for disregarding the safety and well-being of the residents.
Assembly Members in the Electoral Areas affected by the deplorable and dusty state of the road expressed their frustrations.
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In a petition to the Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, the protesters pointed out the hardships caused by the poor road conditions.
“This road, which serves as a vital link for the transportation of people and goods, has fallen into disrepair, resulting in severe hardships for commuters, farmers, traders, and residents who depend on it for their daily activities,” the petition stated.
The petition read by Freeman Kojo Gadri, Assembly member for Ada Electoral Area also outlined key problems, including increased travel times, frequent vehicle breakdowns, and the economic struggles of farmers who are unable to transport their produce to markets efficiently.
“The current condition of the road has caused negative economic impacts on the local communities, particularly farmers. It has become a safety risk due to the dust and poor road surface, especially during the dry season,” the petition added.
The residents called on the minister to prioritize the immediate rehabilitation of the road and to work with stakeholders to ensure a swift and sustainable solution.
“We are confident that your esteemed office will give this matter the urgent attention it deserves. We look forward to your swift response and a positive action plan,” the petition concluded.
Yaw Adu Asamoah, Regional Coordinating Director who received the petition on behalf of Regional Minister assured that the contractor will be pressured to speed up work.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah