Commuters, drivers and residents along the Ho–Tokor Highway have raised alarm over severe dust pollution generated by ongoing road construction works under the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme.
Users of the stretch say the persistent dust, especially between Kpetoe and Tokor, is making travel uncomfortable and exposing them to respiratory health risks.
Passengers, including traders and students, report that they now rely on nose masks, scarves and other coverings during trips, though their clothing still becomes heavily soiled by the time they reach their destinations.
A commercial driver known locally as “Our Father” told the Ghana News Agency that operators have been forced to abandon good clothing for work due to the intensity of dust along the route.
He added that drivers frequently spend money on medication to treat colds and other dust-related illnesses linked to daily exposure.
Residents say the situation is most unbearable during dry conditions, with many noting that travel is only tolerable when it rains and the dust settles temporarily.
The impact, however, extends beyond transport operators, affecting roadside traders, schools and households along the corridor.
At Ave-Havi, a provision shop owner, Madam Comfort Vifa, said she is compelled to clean her goods repeatedly throughout the day to prevent dust contamination.
Similarly, a local food vendor at Penyi said she has considered suspending operations due to worsening conditions, relying only on student customers to stay in business.
Residents and traders are calling on authorities and contractors to intensify dust suppression measures, particularly regular water sprinkling on the road surface.
They say previous complaints have not been consistently addressed, with dust control efforts described as irregular and insufficient.
The affected communities are urging urgent intervention to protect public health and reduce the daily hardship faced by road users along the construction corridor.
