The ongoing construction of the 22-kilometre Adentan–Dodowa Road has brought relief to commuters who have long endured its poor condition.
However, while residents welcome the project, they are grappling with severe dust pollution, which is affecting their health, businesses, and daily lives.
In areas such as Fafraha, Oyibi, and Amrahia, the dust has become so intense that some motorists say they are struggling to cope.
Bernard Amponsah, a commercial tricycle (keke) driver, lamented the health impact.
“The dust is killing us. It is not good for our health and even affects our appearance because we get covered in dust every day,” he said.
Another keke driver, Emmanuel Yelsung, explained that the dust was also a safety hazard.
“Driving has become difficult. Sometimes, you can’t see oncoming cars, and if you are not careful, accidents may occur.
The contractors sprinkle water on the road intermittently, but it is not enough,” he said.
Sales
Traders are equally bearing the brunt of the situation. Joan Amoah, a tomato seller at Oyibi, described how the dust settles on her produce and stall.
A water tanker spraying water to reduce dust at Ashiyie on the Adentan-Dodowa road
“I clean my table almost every time, but before I realise, it is covered in dust again.
Customers don’t want to buy dusty tomatoes, so it is affecting sales,” she said.
For roadside flower sellers, the situation is no different.
“The dust settles on the flowers and makes them unattractive.
People pass by without buying because the flowers don’t look fresh,” a flower vendor at Dodowa, Akua Mensima, said.
Observation
When the Daily Graphic visited the construction site last Monday, it observed that flower pots placed along some sections of the road had lost their appeal, appearing dull and unattractive due to the dust.
It was also observed that water tankers intermittently sprinkled sections of the road to suppress the dust, but the effect was short-lived, as the loose soil dried quickly and left thick clouds of dust hanging in the air.
Response
In response to these concerns, the Project Manager of OSWAL Investment Limited, contractors working on the project, Gabriel Foli, assured residents that steps were being taken to reduce the impact of the construction.
“The project is still ongoing, and as part of our measures, we spray water on the road regularly to minimise the dust,” Mr Foli said.
He explained that the Adentan–Dodowa project, which is 50 per cent complete, covered a wide scope of work designed to improve safety and reduce congestion.
It includes the installation of traffic lights at 16 major junctions, the construction of seven roundabouts at key intersections, pedestrian walkways, extensive drainage systems, and dual carriageways with service and auxiliary roads.
Mr Gabriel said the drainage component involved the completion of 32 culverts of varying sizes, which would allow water to flow under the road, thereby reducing flooding and erosion. In addition, 44 kilometres of U-drains have been built to channel storm water effectively.
Additionally, he said the scope of work also featured eight kilometres of dual carriage with service roads (2x4 lanes) and six kilometres of dual carriage with auxiliary roads (2x3 lanes).
The project, which commenced on March 25, 2024, is scheduled for completion within 36 months.
The road stretches from Adentan through Fafraha, Amanfrom, Oyibi, Amrahia and terminates at Dodowa.
Mr Foli reiterated that while residents might face temporary inconveniences such as dust, the completed road would significantly improve travel, reduce traffic, and enhance safety for all road users.
“We understand the concerns, but this is a work in progress.
Once the project is completed, it will transform mobility on this corridor and benefit the entire community,” he added.
