Residents of the Ho West District are calling for urgent government intervention to address what they describe as persistent neglect of critical road and bridge infrastructure, warning that poor transportation networks are affecting economic activities and access to essential services.
The concerns have been raised following comparisons with ongoing infrastructure development projects in neighbouring Ho Municipality, where several roads and bridges are reportedly undergoing construction and rehabilitation.
Speaking on behalf of concerned residents, Mr. Albert Tomi, a citizen advocate popularly known as “Truthful Pen,” questioned why key infrastructure projects in Ho West appeared to lag behind despite the district’s strategic contribution to the regional economy.
According to him, the contrast became apparent during a recent trip through parts of Ho Central, where he observed well-constructed roads equipped with drainage systems and ongoing works on roads serving both urban and rural communities.
Mr. Tomi said he deliberately chose alternative routes through Ho Central after avoiding some deteriorated roads in Ho West and was impressed by the level of infrastructure development he witnessed along the way.
He noted that while travelling through communities such as Shia and later using the Tanyigbe–Lume road, he observed active construction works and even encountered a bridge project that had commenced shortly after the previous structure reportedly collapsed.
The development, he said, highlighted the need for similar urgency in addressing infrastructure challenges confronting communities in Ho West.
Among the concerns raised was the collapsed bridge linking Dzolokpuita and Akome, which reportedly gave way in February this year.
Mr. Tomi indicated that several months after the collapse, residents were yet to see significant reconstruction efforts, creating difficulties for commuters and local businesses that depend on the route.
He also identified a number of roads that continue to require urgent attention, including the Dodome–Dzolo Gbogame, Kpedze–Anyirawase, Kpoeta–Kpedze, Vane–Amedzofe and Akrofu–Bakpe roads.
According to him, these roads are vital to the movement of people and goods, linking farming communities to markets, educational institutions and healthcare facilities.
As a major food-producing area that supplies agricultural produce to the regional capital and beyond, Ho West depends heavily on an efficient road network to support economic growth and improve living conditions for residents.
Mr. Tomi stressed that his concerns were not intended to undermine development efforts in Ho Municipality but rather to draw attention to the need for equitable infrastructure development across all districts.
“This is not an attack on Ho Central. Development there should be applauded. The question is what Ho Central is doing right and what Ho West is not doing right. Why are major roads and bridges in Ho West left unattended for so long?” he asked.
He appealed to government agencies, local authorities and development partners to prioritise road and bridge projects in the district to enhance accessibility, improve road safety and support socio-economic development.
Residents remain hopeful that their concerns will receive the attention of policymakers and that accelerated infrastructure investment will help bridge the development gap and improve connectivity across Ho West.
They argue that timely intervention is essential not only for transportation but also for strengthening agriculture, commerce and access to social services throughout the district.
