By Ahli Mercy Adzo
Road users, settlers, drivers, and business owners have expressed deep frustration over the prolonged delay in the construction of the Pokuase to Nsawam highway.
The project, valued at $346.5 million, began in July 2022 and was initially expected to be completed in 2024 but has faced significant delays, causing significant distress among the local community due to its impact on transportation, livelihoods, health, and safety.
Commercial drivers who ply the route daily lament the damage the road has caused to their vehicles. They report frequent visits to mechanics and constant purchases of spare parts. Mr. Foster Bampoe, a commercial driver and father of three, shared his grievances, highlighting how the delay has negatively affected both his financial and health status.
“Since the construction began, I’m always stuck in traffic for hours, navigating through pothole-ridden roads. My fuel consumption has doubled, and productivity has dropped significantly,” Mr. Bampoe said.
He also explained the emotional toll the situation has taken on commuters and residents alike. “The constant traffic, poor road conditions, and long driving hours have left me exhausted and stressed. The poor air quality from vehicle emissions has affected my breathing as well.”
A hawker, who sells chilled water and soft drinks at the Amasaman bus station, shared similar concerns. According to her, the delay in construction has drastically reduced her customer base and income.
“People no longer stop to buy as they used to. The dust, waste, and unhygienic conditions around the construction site have discouraged customers,” she explained.
She also mentioned that the construction had damaged parts of her store, resulting in costly repairs. While she does have access to electricity to power her fridge, the unfavorable conditions have still made business difficult. “The area now has a bad reputation, and that has driven many of my regular customers away,” she added.
Proprietors and proprietress raised concerns about the impact on education. “The road closure has caused many students, especially those commuting by bus, to arrive late or miss school entirely,” she stated. “Teachers have had to adjust lesson plans, and the academic performance of students is being affected.”
She also emphasized the health, and safety risks the construction has posed to her students. “There are no safe crossings or overpasses, and the ongoing work has led to accidents, air and noise pollution. Our students are exposed to stress, anxiety, and health hazards daily,” she added. The increased transportation costs due to fuel price hikes have further burdened parents and staff.
The voices of these road users reflect a growing call for authorities to expedite the Pokuase-Nsawam highway project. The ongoing delay is not only inconveniencing daily commuters but also threatening livelihoods, health, and education across the affected communities.
The constructor working on the Pokuase-Nsawam Highway is Maripoma Enterprise Limited. They resumed work on the project after receiving a payment of GH¢809 million from the government, which was made in three tranches on July 24, July 30, and August 4, 2025.
The project, valued at $346.5 million, began in July 2022 and was initially expected to be completed in 2024 but has faced significant delays. The highway is crucial for easing traffic congestion, improving road safety, and boosting economic activity between Accra and the Eastern Region.
