Rehabilitate Atebubu-Kwame Danso-Kajaji Road for us - Sene East, West residents appeal to govt

The chiefs and people of the Sene East and Sene West districts in the eastern corridor of the Bono East Region have appealed to the government to rehabilitate the Atebubu-Kwame Danso-Kajajai Road to revive agriculture and other socio-economic activities.

They said the deplorable state of the road, which is currently rough, dusty, and full of potholes, has been severely eroded, making it almost impassable and dangerous to travel.

The chiefs made the passionate appeal when the Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, visited the areas last Monday, as part of his familiarisation tour of the region.

The regional minister paid courtesy calls on the Nkonmi, Dwan and Basa traditional councils, some state institutions and inspected the Kajaji Agenda 111 hospital project.

Lack of amenities

The chiefs also bemoaned the lack of basic social amenities such as educational, health, security facilities among others.

The acting President of the Nkonmi Traditional Council, Nana Krunkum Sunkwa, explained that the districts were the region's food basket.

He urged the minister to facilitate the reconstruction of the road and other roads in the districts to save the areas from being cut off from the rest of the country.

Nana Sunkwa explained that the bad state of the roads had slowed down economic activities, adding that armed robbers took advantage of the poor roads to rob commuters and inhabitants.

The Omanhene of the Basa Traditional Area, Nana Owusu Sakyi, said they lacked basic developmental projects despite the two districts’ contribution to Ghana's food security and the economy.

He appealed to the minister to facilitate the construction of a befitting market and a health centre for the people of Kajaji.

Nana Sakyi urged the government to take advantage of water bodies in the areas to encourage agriculture.

Minister’s response

The regional minister assured the chiefs that the government would initiate urgent measures to rehabilitate the road to facilitate safe movements.

He said the stretch was a critical road since it connected two districts involved in commercial agriculture.

Mr Antwi sympathised with the chiefs and people in the area, mainly farmers and pledged the government’s commitment to rehabilitate the roads to reduce post-harvest losses.

"In fact, we all know the potential of these areas.

They are the food basket of the region; they transport fish, yams, cereals and grains to the various urban centres.

"With this road request, I will make sure I meet and team up with the various Members of Parliament (MPs) to champion their grievances.

I have seen their problem myself and we will ensure it is solved," he assured.

Abandoned projects

Mr Antwi further assured that the government was committed to completing all abandoned projects, while new projects had been earmarked to be constructed under the government's flagship "Pig push" agenda.

He promised to prioritise security in the areas, explaining that police patrols would be intensified on the roads to enhance security.

"After going through the various districts, their concerns have been common. All of them are complaining about poor roads.

As a representative of the President, I will initiate a process right away and meet the sector minister to discuss it in detail," he said.

Writer's email: biiya.ali@graphic.com.gh