Residents, motorists and businesses along the Pentecost Junction–Agape Road in the Ga Central Municipality are appealing for urgent action as worsening road conditions continue to disrupt movement and economic activities in the area.
The 5.2-kilometre stretch, which links Agape, Ablekuma, Weija and Anyaa, has become increasingly difficult to navigate following weeks of heavy rainfall and the suspension of construction activities.
A visit by the Ghana News Agency revealed sections of the road filled with potholes, muddy patches and stagnant water, creating challenges for thousands of commuters who rely on the route daily.
Residents said the delay in completing the reconstruction project, which resumed last year, had increased transport costs, worsened flooding and affected access to essential services, including healthcare.
Commercial drivers operating on the route said the poor condition of the road was taking a heavy toll on their businesses due to frequent vehicle repairs and increased fuel consumption.
“Very soon, we are all going to park our vehicles because we spend more on car maintenance than the money we make from working on this road,” a taxi driver, Mr Nana Yaw, said.
Drivers said they had been compelled to increase fares by about 20 per cent to cover rising operational costs, a situation they said was placing additional pressure on commuters.
Residents also blamed poor drainage conditions on the road for worsening flooding in nearby communities, saying construction materials left along the route had been washed into drains during rainfall.
Mr Francis Osei, a resident of Agape, said the blocked drains had caused flooding in homes.
“When it rained, our home was flooded because the drains were choked with sand. In the dry season too, all our rooms were filled with dust. We are really suffering,” he said.
Another resident, Mr Isaac Ainoo, said the state of the road had affected night-time transportation, making it difficult for residents to access vehicles after dark.
“Now I pay twice because transport fares have gone up. It is difficult to get a vehicle home late in the night because of the nature of the road,” he said.
Businesses and Health Services Affected
Business operators along the corridor said the deteriorating road had reduced customer visits and created additional challenges for their operations.
Ms Juliana Safowaa Danso, a food vendor, said dust from the road was affecting food businesses and discouraging customers from visiting the area.
“It is difficult for customers to drive here to buy from us and that is really affecting our sales. The dust is also a big problem for us because of the sensitive nature of the food business,” she said.
Healthcare workers also raised concerns about delays in reaching health facilities, particularly in emergency situations involving pregnant women and children.
Ms Mercy Koranteng, a midwife, said the road condition was making it difficult for health workers and patients to move quickly.
“As a midwife, it is very difficult for me to arrive here in time to respond to emergencies. My major worry is pregnant women and children who would be stressed out before they get to the health facility,” she said.
The Agape community hosts at least three private health facilities serving residents within and outside the municipality.
Contractor to Resume Work
Mr John Ben Armah, Municipal Roads Engineer for the Ga Central Municipality, explained that construction activities had been temporarily halted because of persistent rainfall.
He assured residents that the contractor was expected to return to site next week and appealed for patience as efforts were made to complete the project.
Residents said they were hopeful that work would resume as promised to restore safer transportation, reduce flooding and improve business activities along the corridor.
