Residents and traditional leaders along the Bawdie–Asankragwa road in Ghana’s Western Region have called on the government to terminate the road construction contract awarded to Asabea Construction following persistent delays and the reported death of a young girl who fell into an open drain at the project site.
The aggrieved residents accuse the contractor of repeatedly abandoning the 52-kilometre road project, leaving unfinished drainage works, deteriorating road conditions and serious safety concerns for communities and road users.
The situation has heightened frustration among residents, who say repeated complaints about the stalled construction have not resulted in lasting improvements.
Bawdie–Asankragwa Road Project Faces Repeated Delays
The Bawdie–Asankragwa road serves as an important transport link connecting communities in the Amenfi East, Amenfi Central and Amenfi West constituencies.
Residents say the project has experienced several interruptions, leaving sections of the road in poor condition and making transportation difficult for motorists, motorcyclists and other road users.
According to local chiefs and residents, construction activities resumed ahead of Ghana’s 2024 general elections but reportedly stopped after the polls. Work is said to have restarted following an inspection by the Roads Minister before stalling again.
The repeated delays have prompted calls for the government to review the contract, replace the contractor and ensure that a new construction arrangement delivers the long-awaited road improvements.
Residents argue that completing the project is essential to improving road safety, reducing travel difficulties and supporting economic activities across the three constituencies.
Poor Road Conditions Raise Road Safety Concerns
Kingsley Mireku Konadu, an aspirant for the Amenfi Central NDC constituency chairmanship, has expressed concern about the condition of the road, linking it to frequent accidents involving motorists and motorcyclists.
He attributed some of the safety risks to what he described as inadequate drainage works and called for urgent government intervention.
Mr Konadu also highlighted increasing traffic along the route and the limited availability of asphalted roads in the area, arguing that further delays could continue to expose road users to avoidable dangers.
He urged the government to consider appointing a new contractor to complete the 52-kilometre road project and address the concerns of affected communities.
Death of Young Girl Intensifies Calls for Government Intervention
The reported death of a young girl who fell into an open drain at the construction site has intensified demands for immediate action.
Amenfi Central District Chief Executive Peter Amponsah said the incident had deepened public frustration over the handling of the road project.
According to Mr Amponsah, the drain had reportedly remained unattended for more than eight months despite attempts to persuade the contractor to address the problem.
He said Asabea Construction had promised to fix the drain within two weeks after he contacted the company. However, nearly five weeks had reportedly passed since the commitment was made without the promised remedial work being completed.
The DCE added that a joint visit to the site had taken place, but the situation remained unresolved.
The incident has renewed concerns about construction-site safety, particularly the risks posed by uncovered drains and unfinished infrastructure works in communities where residents, including children, regularly move around the project area.
Local authorities and traditional leaders are demanding urgent measures to secure the site and prevent similar incidents.
Western Regional Minister Responds to Residents’ Concerns
Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson has assured residents that the government will take the necessary steps to address their concerns and determine the appropriate action regarding the stalled Bawdie–Asankragwa road project.
Mr Nelson acknowledged the dissatisfaction surrounding the slow pace of construction and stressed that road development projects are intended to improve living conditions and provide safer transportation.
He also expressed disappointment that concerns previously raised about the contractor’s progress had not been resolved.
The minister’s assurance comes amid growing pressure from residents and traditional authorities for the government to intervene and establish a clear path towards completing the project.
Residents Await Decision on Bawdie–Asankragwa Road Contract
The Bawdie–Asankragwa road remains a critical transportation route for communities in Amenfi East, Amenfi Central and Amenfi West.
Residents are calling for a lasting solution to the repeated construction delays, deteriorating road conditions and safety hazards associated with unfinished drainage works.
Their demands include a review of Asabea Construction’s contract, urgent attention to dangerous sections of the project site and measures to ensure the road is completed to the required standards.
The government’s next steps will be closely watched by affected communities, particularly as residents seek improved road infrastructure, safer travel conditions and accountability for the prolonged delays.
The reported fatal incident has also brought construction-site safety into sharper focus, with calls for open drains and other hazards to be addressed while work on the project remains incomplete.
Source: newsthemegh.com