Residents of the Jomoro Municipality in the Western Region may soon see relief from years of transportation challenges as the contractor for the Samenye Barrier–Newtown road project has officially moved to site to begin preparatory works ahead of construction.
The development marks a significant step toward the rehabilitation of one of the municipality’s most critical road networks, which has remained in a deplorable condition for years despite earlier promises of construction.
The road has been a major priority for the Member of Parliament for Jomoro and Deputy Minister for Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, particularly after contractors working on the Samenye Barrier–Jaway Wharf road project abandoned the site in 2020 without informing local communities or the municipal assembly.
Residents and motorists have long complained about the poor state of the road, which serves communities from Samenye through Half Assini, the municipal capital, to Newtown on the Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire border. The deteriorating condition of the road has significantly affected transportation, trade, and economic activities within the municipality.
Although the road was cleared in October 2020 for a sod-cutting ceremony to signal the commencement of construction works, the contractors reportedly left the site with their equipment shortly afterward, leaving the project stalled.
The situation sparked widespread frustration among residents, who staged a series of demonstrations demanding government intervention and the completion of the road. Many warned that the poor road network was crippling economic activities and increasing the cost of living in the area.
Currently, a journey that would ordinarily take about 30 minutes between Half Assini and Samenye Barrier reportedly takes up to two-and-a-half hours due to the poor condition of the road. The prolonged travel time has contributed to higher transport fares and increased prices of goods and services.
However, hopes have been renewed following the arrival of Kingspok Company Limited at the project site on Sunday, May 31, 2026. The contractor has begun clearing portions of the construction area and preparing space for equipment deployment.
Speaking on the development, Madam Affo-Toffey called on residents to cooperate fully with the contractor to ensure the smooth execution of the project.
She acknowledged that some residents could be affected by the construction activities and appealed for their understanding and support.
“Those with shops on roadsides should relocate them because it will affect them. I had not left you, but the time was not due. Now the time has come for us to have a good road. I urge you all to support the contractor,” she said.
The Deputy Transport Minister expressed optimism that the road project would help revive the local economy by improving transportation, facilitating trade, and creating opportunities for commercial drivers and businesses in the municipality.
Residents are hopeful that the commencement of work will finally bring an end to years of poor road conditions and open a new chapter of economic growth and development for the Jomoro Municipality.
