“Drivers’ Ultimatum Over Neglected Nsawam-Pokuase Road Sparks Nationwide Concern”

Drivers Issue One-Week Deadline Over Deplorable Nsawam-Pokuase Road

Nsawam-Pokuase road – The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana has delivered a stern one-week ultimatum to the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, demanding immediate rehabilitation of the deteriorated Nsawam-Pokuase road in the Greater Accra Region.

According to the Association, failure to act will result in a total blockade of the highway, a critical transport link between Accra and Kumasi. Such an action would cause severe nationwide traffic disruption, impacting trade, commuters, and the transportation of goods.

Speaking to the press, the National Chairman of the Association, Mr. Paa Willie, expressed frustration over the road’s appalling state, describing it as a “nightmare” for motorists. He revealed that what should be a smooth 30-minute journey from Nsawam Junction to Pokuase now takes close to four hours.

He accused the Roads Ministry of “inaction and indifference” despite repeated calls for intervention. According to him, the neglect has worsened living conditions, increased travel time, and driven up vehicle maintenance costs for drivers.

Drivers Call for Road Tolls and Financial Solutions

Nsawam-Pokuase road – Mr. Paa Willie proposed the reintroduction of road tolls as a way to fund urgent repairs. His suggestion follows the recent suspension of the GHS 1 Energy Sector Levy, which he commended President John Dramani Mahama for removing.

“This is a sign of responsive and inclusive leadership,” he said, praising the President for addressing the concerns of ordinary Ghanaians. He stressed, however, that the same urgency must be applied to fixing the Nsawam-Pokuase road.

Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Yaw Kwakye, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Association, urged the Roads Minister to “act swiftly or step aside” if he cannot fulfil his mandate.

Push for Local Fuel Refining to Reduce Prices

The Association’s National Deputy Secretary, Asonaba Nana Wiredu, expanded the conversation beyond roads, urging the government to refine crude oil locally. He cited examples from countries like Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, where domestic refining has helped stabilise fuel prices.

He appealed directly to President Mahama to prioritise revamping the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to reduce economic pressure on Ghanaians, stressing that lower fuel costs would directly benefit drivers and the general public.

The Association insists that its demands are not politically motivated but are driven by the urgent need to improve road safety, reduce travel time, and protect the welfare of road users.

Residents and Journalists Join August 15 Protest

The drivers’ ultimatum comes as residents of Nsawam and Amasaman, alongside journalists and traders, have issued their own deadline for urgent improvements to the Ofankor-Nsawam road.

During a protest held on Saturday, July 12, protest leader and journalist Nana Yaw Kesseh emphasised that the call for action was reasonable and not politically driven.

“Construction is ongoing, and it will be disingenuous to demand asphalt immediately,” he explained. “All we are asking is that the road be made motorable and regularly watered to reduce dust and suffering.”

Kesseh shared his personal experience, revealing how the poor state of the road forced him to withdraw his children from school in Airport West due to the exhausting daily commute.

“This is not about making the government unpopular,” he said. “It is a peaceful demand for what is rightfully ours.”

A Road in Crisis

The Ofankor-Nsawam road is a crucial route linking Accra to the Eastern Region, but it has been plagued by stalled construction, deep potholes, erosion, and poor maintenance. Motorists face daily traffic congestion, vehicle damage, and health hazards from excessive dust.

Protesters at the recent demonstration carried placards with messages such as “Accidents Daily, How Many More?” and “Years of Dust, Delays, and Broken Promises,” calling for urgent government intervention.

Journalists Urged to Keep the Spotlight

Kesseh appealed to fellow journalists to continue covering the plight of road users, describing the issue as a “national assignment” that demands media persistence.

“We cannot renege on our promise to serve the suffering masses,” he said. “This is exactly why we are here, to highlight the struggles of ordinary Ghanaians and hold leaders accountable.”

Government Responds

Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Amasaman, Sedem Kweku Afenyo, has assured residents and drivers that the road will be fixed. However, with deadlines fast approaching, all eyes are now on the Roads Ministry and the government to deliver concrete action before frustration boils over into full-scale disruption.

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