Western Region: Road blockade in Shama-Nyankrom delays BECE candidates, halts movement
A street protest by some youth in Shama-Nyankrom in the Western Region on Monday morning (May 4), disrupted movement in the area for several hours, disrupting both industrial transport and the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
The protesters blocked the main road by burning car tyres and mounting barricades.
The action caused congestion in the area and prevented vehicles from entering or leaving the town.
The disruption also affected the transportation of raw materials to major manufacturing firms as trucks carrying clay were unable to pass.
More critically, several BECE candidates and their teachers were stranded and unable to reach their examination centres on time. Some candidates waited for hours as the roads remained blocked, raising concerns about delays in the nationwide exams.
The protest was organised by a group calling itself Nyankrom Concerned Youth.
They said they were frustrated by the poor state of roads and what it describes as the government’s failure to address the problem.
Speaking to Channel One TV, the group’s leader, Israel Kwesi Eshun, said the action followed the expiration of a one-month ultimatum given to authorities to ensure contractors returned to site.
He added that heavy-duty trucks serving tile companies have worsened the condition of the road, making it nearly unusable.
The group warned that the protest may continue if authorities fail to act, underscoring growing tensions over poor infrastructure and its impact on daily life.
