Residents and farmers along the over 40-kilometre Kpandai-Salaga road are appealing for urgent government intervention as the deplorable condition of the road continues to disrupt economic activities and access to essential services.
The road links several farming communities in the area, but its deteriorated condition has made transportation difficult, with motorists and commuters struggling to navigate the stretch. Residents say farm produce often deteriorates before reaching market centres, while the poor road network also makes access to healthcare and other essential services increasingly difficult.
The Chief of Kojoboni, Nana Bowu Kodjo, says the situation is forcing farmers to sell their produce at significantly reduced prices because buyers are reluctant to travel to the communities. He said farmers who attempt to transport their goods to market centres also face high transportation costs, leaving them with little or no profit.
According to the chief, the poor road condition has not only affected farmers but has also made movement of people between the communities and major commercial centres difficult. Residents say the situation is particularly worrying during the rainy season, when portions of the road become almost impassable.
Responding to the concerns, the DCE for Kpandai District, Haruna Abdul Karim, said government has budgeted for the road and assured residents that its construction would be captured in the next budget under the Big Push programme promised by President John Dramani Mahama.
He said the government recognises the importance of the road to the local economy and its role in connecting farming communities to markets and essential services.
Residents are now hopeful that the government’s promise will translate into actual construction works, saying a properly constructed Kpandai-Salaga road would improve transportation, reduce post-harvest losses, open up markets for farmers and restore reliable connectivity to communities along the route.
Story by Ama Frimpomaa
