Frustration continues to mount as the Pantang-Abokobi road—a crucial link between the La-Nkwantanang-Madina and Ga East Municipalities—falls further into disrepair, with residents and commuters calling for urgent intervention.
The once-manageable stretch has now become a treacherous path marked by deep potholes, crumbling asphalt, and clogged drains due to erosion. Despite years of pledges and partial efforts, no substantial progress has been made on its reconstruction.
The project, which began in 2016 with drainage installations, stalled following the general elections.
According to the Ga East Municipal Assembly (GEMA), the contractor abandoned the site, prompting the termination of the initial agreement and reassignment to a new contractor in 2019. However, since then, there has been little evidence of work on the ground.
Drivers say the poor road conditions are damaging their vehicles and cutting into their incomes.
“I have been using this road for almost two to three years. The road isn’t in the best condition. As an Uber driver, it causes a lot of damage to my vehicle, but I cannot decline a ride request because of the nature of the road. Authorities should fix the roads,” said Emmanuel Mawuko, an Uber driver.
Residents and business owners alike report that the road is not only an economic burden but also a public safety risk.
“Ahead of the elections, they brought bitumen to cover the road and made temporary fixes to it, but when the rains set in, the true reflection of the job they did has come to bear,” said Isaac Dzakweisi, a resident.
Others pointed out the dangers posed to emergency medical services, particularly since the road leads to the Pantang Hospital.
“The road is really bad, and we need them to come to our aid and fix it. It is very disturbing, given that it’s the route leading to the Pantang Hospital. Sometimes people are pronounced dead or their condition worsens upon the arrival of the ambulance at the hospital because of how unnavigable the road is.
They told us President Mahama will fix the road, we are waiting for his government to fix it,” said Hakim Mohammed, a local mechanic.
“I have been using this road for about a year. The road is very, very bad, and the fact that it leads to a hospital is not encouraging at all. I live around the Pantang Hospital, so I know what I am talking about. If for nothing at all, they should fix it because of the hospital,” added resident Michael Narh.
Though Daniel Kofi Okyere, the Municipal Urban Roads Engineer (MURE) for Ga East, declined to speak on the record, he hinted that the contract may soon be re-awarded.
Meanwhile, Municipal Chief Executive of the La-Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly, Ibrahim Faila, has promised to push for the road’s completion before the end of President Mahama’s current term.
“I am coming from Feeder Roads, mine is to go and lobby for a developmental project for my people. If they are satisfied, automatically I’m satisfied. But if they are not, I cannot sleep. Therefore, one of the things that I’ve started within just four days of my confirmation is to lobby. The schedule officer agreed with me on Tuesday.
“We’ll come to the areas and have a look at the area to see what we can do to better the routes and even reshape it where it’s supposed to be reshaped. Where there are supposed to be drains and other fittings, they will also do so to ensure that the road is very motorable for people to move freely,” he stated.
After nearly a decade of delays, the community continues to await not just words, but action—and a clear timeline for completion.
