Ashaiman: Some residents of the Ashaiman municipality have raised concerns over the impact of dusty roads on their health, businesses, and overall quality of life. They expressed frustration with the municipal assembly authorities and the central government, demanding accountability for the taxes collected and urging swift intervention to improve road conditions in the area.
According to Ghana News Agency, the residents cited health hazards and business losses as major consequences of the emanating dust from the roads, which were taking a toll on their lives. Many of them were experiencing serious health challenges such as respiratory issues. The residents also criticised authorities for their inaction, despite repeated promises during election campaigns that the roads would be constructed for them.
Mrs. Rakel Ibrahim, a trader in beverages since 2016, reported that the dust affects her products and discourages customers. 'The dust doesn't just make our products look old and unattractive; it also discourages customers from buying,' she explained. Mrs. Ibrahim highlighted the difficulty of maintaining cleanliness in such conditions and the impact on her business image.
The situation is particularly challenging for parents, as Mrs. Ibrahim noted, 'I wear a nose mask, but I have a baby, and it's impossible to fully protect myself or my child. The dust is collapsing my business,' she said.
Mr. Mohamed Iddrisu, who deals in electrical appliances, paints, and hardware, echoed similar concerns. He mentioned the continuous effort required to keep his items clean, which ultimately affects sales. 'We pay taxes, yet the assembly has done nothing to improve the situation,' he stated, urging authorities to use the collected revenue to construct proper roads.
Miss Juliet Kyei, a shoe dealer, described how the dust had damaged her stock and impacted her health. 'The dust makes our items look old and expired, so customers often refuse to buy it. It is collapsing our business,' she noted. She also reported severe health issues caused by the dust, which affected her and her children.
Ms Mavis Adobea, a dress and accessories dealer, shared her struggles with constant cleaning to keep her shop presentable. She appealed to the authorities, stating that the government's inaction had worsened their plight. 'My shop is full of dust no matter how many times I clean it. It is exhausting and affects our profits and our health,' she said.
