Agitated residents and drivers at Shama Nyankrom in the Western Region have blocked heavy-duty trucks from accessing the Twyford-KEDA and Marco Polo Tiles and Water Closet manufacturing plants over the poor condition of the Shama-Nyankrom road.
The residents dug a trench across the road, preventing trucks from using the route, as they protest what they describe as years of neglect and delays in rehabilitating the road.
According to the protesters, the constant movement of heavy-duty trucks to and from the manufacturing plants has worsened the already deteriorated state of the road, making it difficult for residents and motorists to use.
They say several engagements with authorities and repeated promises to fix the road have not resulted in any meaningful improvement, leaving them with no option but to take action.
The blockade has disrupted access to the two manufacturing facilities and affected other road users, but the protesters insist the move is necessary to compel authorities to address their concerns.
A taxi driver who spoke to Citi News expressed frustration over the slow pace of work on the road project, which he said has stalled despite the contractor commencing drainage works months ago.
“We are not happy over the delay of work on this road project. The contractor started the drain works three months ago, and up till now, we have seen little progress. We are calling on the government to intervene. Otherwise, we will not allow the companies to get access to their locations for them to even work for the government to get taxes,” he said.
The residents are demanding urgent intervention from the government to speed up the rehabilitation of the road, warning that they will continue to restrict access to the factories until they see significant progress.
