Upper denkyira: The deteriorating condition of roads leading to the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region has become a major concern for residents, commuters, and local authorities. The roads are ridden with potholes, eroded culverts, dusty pavements, and uneven stretches, affecting economic activities, education, and healthcare delivery in the area.
According to Ghana News Agency, some of the affected roads connecting the municipality include the Dunkwa-On-Offin to Ayanfuri-Kyekyewere and Dunkwa to Obuasi-Kumasi routes. They have become nearly impassable, especially during the rainy season. Commercial drivers complain about frequent vehicle breakdowns, increased fuel consumption, and prolonged travel time. "These roads are a death trap. We struggle every day to transport goods to the market and students to school," Mr. Kweku Agyenim, a commercial driver at Dunkwa-on-Offin, said in an interview. "Our vehicles break down constantly, and passengers are always at risk," he added.
The situation has also affected access to healthcare services, with ambulances transporting emergency cases often getting stuck or delayed, putting lives at risk. Farmers in the area are counting their losses as the poor road conditions make it difficult to send produce to markets in other towns and regions, leading to financial losses.
Nana Adwoa Asante, a trader, expressed her frustrations: "Sometimes, we have to carry our goods on our heads to the main road because cars cannot reach the farms. This is slowing down our work, and we are pleading with the government to come to our aid and fix the roads so we can engage in our daily activities to improve our lives."
Residents and stakeholders are urging the government and the Ministry of Roads and Highways to prioritize the rehabilitation of the roads under the 'Big Push' initiative being pursued by President Mahama to stimulate growth across various sectors of the economy. Twelve major roads have been targeted for rehabilitation across the country under the initiative.
Community leaders have sent several petitions to relevant authorities, but the response has been slow. Mr. George Anane Coleman, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Upper Denkyira East, acknowledged the concerns in an interview with the GNA and pledged the Assembly's commitment to seek urgent intervention. He shared in the plight of the residents, particularly farmers, saying he had witnessed foodstuffs go bad due to the poor nature of the roads. He is certain the Big Push initiative will be extended to the municipality to help resolve some of the challenges facing the area, improving their standard of living.
As the rainy season continues, residents fear the roads may deteriorate further, leading to the isolation of several communities if swift action is not taken.
