The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Eastern Region has launched a scathing attack on the Akufo-Addo-led government over what it describes as the “catastrophic state of disrepair” of the region’s road network.
Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong disclosed in 2022 that a total of 1,487.62km of road has been completed in the Region since 2017.
A total of 5,404.79km of road, he said has also been awarded to contractors since 2017.
Out of the number completed, 206km of road was done under the supervision of the Department of Urban Roads, 440.38km and 246km of roads under the supervision of the Feeder Roads Department, and 595.24km of road by the Ghana Highway Authority
However, at a press conference held today, the Eastern Regional Communications Bureau of the NDC led by Regional Communications Officer, Kojo Danquah, painted a grim picture of the current road infrastructure in the region worsened by the recent rainfall.
He called the situation a “profound disrespect” to the people of the region.
“How can it be that road in a region with such a formidable lineup of influential political leaders, including President Nana Akufo-Addo, former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, Hon. Abena Osei Asare, and former Roads Minister Hon. Kwasi Amoako-Attah, be left to rot?” Danquah questioned, emphasizing the irony of the region’s neglect despite producing some of the nation’s most powerful figures.
The Appalling State of Roads
The NDC listed many critical roads in the region that have deteriorated to alarming levels, severely impacting daily life and the economy.
“It is an absolute travesty that the Opass Junction through New Tafo to Old Tafo Junction Road remains in such a deplorable state, especially given that the current president was once a Member of Parliament for this very constituency,” Mr. Danquah stated.
He accused the President of “turning a blind eye” to the suffering of the entire region while lavishing attention on his hometown of Kyebi.
Kojo Danquah also drew attention to the Abetifi Constituency, where roads have “deteriorated into a nightmarish shadow of their former glory.”
He criticized Bryan Acheampong, the Member of Parliament for the area, for failing to address the issue despite his influential position. “One would wonder why the roads in Abetifi are in such a deplorable state when they have an ‘all-knowing’, ‘too known’ and braggart like Bryan Acheampong as a Member of Parliament,” he added.
Widespread Crisis Across Constituencies
The NDC further listed several other constituencies suffering from poor road conditions, including Kade, Akim Swedru, Nkawkaw, Afram Plains North, and Lower Manya Krobo, among others.
“The following are just a few of the bad roads across the various constituencies; in the Kade Constituency, the Asuom-Ntronang Road, Abodom-Pramkese-Takyiman Road, and Asuom-Atobriso Road are in notably poor condition. The Akim Swedru Constituency struggles with the Akim Swedru-Oforikrom Parkso stretch, Akim Swedru-Ofosukrom stretch, Aduasa-Adenkyensu Road, and Akim Swedru-Apoli Ning Route. The Nkawkaw Constituency is affected by the Nkawkaw-Obomeng Road and Kwahu Daa Road. In the Afram Plains North Constituency, the Ekye-Agordeke Road is particularly problematic.
He added “The Abetifi Constituency sees significant issues with the Ahinase Bonkrase Road and Kotoso Road. The Ofoase-Ayirebi Constituency is plagued by the Ofoase-Praso Road, AdwafoTakyiman Road, Otwreso-Paawudu Road, Adubiase-Asabidie Road, and the AbenaseOtabil-Mukiya-Boso-Villa Road.
Lower Manya Krobo faces challenges with the Akuse, Asitey, Agomanya, and Kpong roads. The Fanteakwa North Constituency has the Otuater-Amotare-Abours Road in a state of disrepair. In the Achiase Constituency, the Achiase-Akenkensuam Fosu Road and Kenya-Achiase GNTC Road are severely affected. The Mpraeso Constituency contends with the Ntomem Road, Nketepa Road, Bepong Road, and Asakraka Road.
“These roads illustrate the widespread nature of the crisis and the urgent need for comprehensive action,” Mr. Danquah stated.
To substantiate their claims, the NDC presented video and photographic evidence of the most severely affected roads, along with testimonies from residents whose livelihoods have been impacted. “The state of these roads is not just an inconvenience; it is a crisis that affects every aspect of life in the Eastern Region,” Danquah emphasized.
Economic Fallout and Health Risks
The press conference also expounded on the broader impact of the deteriorating roads on health and the economy. Danquah shared a harrowing story of a woman whose son suffered a severe eye injury due to the excessive dust caused by crumbling roads, underscoring the health hazards posed by poor infrastructure. He further noted the economic toll on local businesses, which have been forced to close due to the relentless dust and debris.
“The poor state of our roads has led to a dramatic increase in vehicle maintenance costs, pushing businesses to the brink of collapse and undermining the region’s economic viability,” Mr. Danquah warned.
Corruption Allegations and the Cocoa Roads Scandal
The NDC also accused the government of corruption, specifically citing the theft of railway assets scandal “We have uncovered disturbing evidence that the railway lines are being stolen by government and party officials, with Alhaji Bawumia’s right-hand men masterminding these thefts,” Danquah alleged. He criticized the government for allowing the railway network, a crucial alternative transport system, to be plundered for personal gain.
NDC’s Call to Action
The NDC called for immediate action, including a comprehensive overhaul of the road infrastructure, an investigation into the alleged corruption, and economic relief for those affected.
“In light of the severe mismanagement and betrayal of public trust demonstrated by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration, we call on the electorate to vote out this government in the upcoming December 7th elections,” Mr. Danquah urged.
The NDC promised that under a future government led by John Dramani Mahama, the region’s infrastructure would see significant improvements. “The only path forward to restoring our roads and reviving our economy is by bringing back President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC,” Danquah concluded.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Kojo Ansah
