Farmers in Akyem Asene in the Eastern Region are demanding the immediate payment of compensation for farmlands destroyed to make way for the Accra-Kumasi Expressway project.
At a press conference in the community, the aggrieved farmers accused the government of neglecting their concerns despite repeated appeals, saying the destruction of their farms had severely affected their livelihoods.
The farmers explained that agriculture remains their primary source of income, and the loss of their crops has left many households struggling to meet basic needs, including their children’s education and apprenticeship expenses.
They further expressed concern over the lack of a clear timeline for the payment of compensation, saying the prolonged delay had worsened their financial difficulties.
The Benkumhene of Asene, Nana Ntiamoah Narko, appealed to the government to expedite the compensation process, noting that life had become increasingly difficult for the affected farmers.
He urged the authorities to release the outstanding payments without further delay to help the farmers recover from the losses suffered as a result of the expressway project.
The concerns come amid reports that more than 800 farmers along the expressway corridor are expected to receive compensation, with 469 reportedly paid amounts ranging from approximately GH¢1,500 to GH¢350,000, based on valuation data from the Ministry of Roads and Highways.
However, affected farmers in Akyem Asene and neighbouring communities maintain that only a small proportion of those impacted have received payment, despite the destruction of cocoa farms, oil palm plantations and other crops.
They have also rejected reports suggesting that all affected farmers have been compensated, insisting that many remain without payment.
The farmers are calling on the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Ghana Highway Authority and other relevant state agencies to provide a clear compensation schedule and ensure that all eligible persons receive their entitlements.
They say timely and fair compensation is necessary to restore their livelihoods and ensure that communities affected by the Accra-Kumasi Expressway project are treated fairly.
Story by Ama Frimpomaa
