Dzodze: Residents of Dzodze in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region have called on the government to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Ho-Aflao road in the 2025 Budget and Financial Statement. As the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ceasil Ato Baah Forson, prepares to deliver his first budget statement on March 11, 2025, the people of Dzodze say they are eager to hear that the long-neglected Ho-Aflao highway, which runs through their municipality, has been included in the government's infrastructure plans.
According to Ghana News Agency, residents emphasized the urgent need for road improvements to ease transportation difficulties, reduce costs, and boost local businesses. Madam Rose Akose, a trader in Dzodze, shared her frustration, stating that the poor condition of the road has made traveling to Ho for goods stressful and expensive. She noted that fixing the road would lower transport costs and facilitate trading activities.
Madam Akose explained that the deteriorating road conditions have contributed to the rising cost of living in the area, with increasing transport fares leading to more expensive goods. Another trader, Madam Deladem Herman, pointed out the additional financial burden imposed by the E-levy. Due to poor road conditions, traders often prefer ordering goods remotely using mobile money (MoMo), but the electronic transaction levy makes this option costly.
Madam Herman urged the government to eliminate the e-levy entirely and cautioned against introducing alternative taxes. She expressed concerns over the government's practice of replacing one tax with another, urging policymakers to consider the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
The Ho-Aflao road is a vital transportation link for residents, businesses, and travelers in the Volta Region, yet it has remained in poor condition for years. Despite numerous calls for rehabilitation, residents hope that this year's budget will finally bring positive news. With the 2025 budget announcement approaching, the people of Dzodze eagerly await a government commitment to improving their roads and providing relief to traders, commuters, and businesses in the region.
