Residents and stakeholders along the Akatsi-Ohawu corridor in the Akatsi South and Ketu North Municipalities of the Volta Region have called on the government to prioritise the construction of the road, citing its poor state as a barrier to economic and agricultural development.
The demand comes in the wake of the government’s plan to upgrade the Ohawu Agricultural College into a full agricultural university, with residents arguing that without improved road access, the initiative would fall short of expectations.
Mr Jonathan Datsomor, a resident of Dzavega, told the Ghana News Agency that the road is riddled with potholes, gullies, and eroded sections, making travel difficult and dangerous, especially during the rainy season when it becomes nearly impassable and overgrown with bushes.
He said the route serves as a vital and shortest link between Ketu North and Akatsi South Municipalities, facilitating the movement of farm produce, students, healthcare seekers, and civil servants. However, it has remained in a deplorable state for decades without attention.
Mr Datsomor explained that the road, if constructed, could transform surrounding communities into business hubs and boost the local economy, and appealed for its inclusion in the government’s Big Push infrastructure initiative in future budgets.
He noted that the bad road has led to heavy post-harvest losses, as vehicles struggle to access farms and transport perishable goods to markets in Akatsi, affecting communities such as Manu, Dzavega, Ayitikope, Kpohega, Batah, Zuta, and Agbalixorme.
“When this road is constructed, it will greatly improve access and connectivity. It is a major link between the two municipalities, and, surprisingly, it has been left in this condition for years,” he said.
He added that the proposed upgrade of the Ohawu Agricultural College into a university would not succeed without improved road infrastructure, stressing that accessibility is key to attracting students, lecturers, and investors.
Madam Rejoice Senyagor, another resident, said: “The government wants to upgrade the agricultural college at Ohawu, and we fully support that vision. But without a good road, that dream cannot be fully realised.”
She said upgrading the road would boost trade, improve access to healthcare and education, and create new economic opportunities for communities long affected by poor infrastructure. She called on stakeholders, including Mr Edem Eric Agbana, MP for Ketu North, Mr Bernard Ahiafor, MP for Akatsi South, and the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, to collaborate for action.
Some transport operators told the GNA they have abandoned the route due to its condition, leaving residents with limited transport options and higher fares.
Community leaders, farmers, and stakeholders have also urged President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Mr Governs Kwame Agbodza, and the Municipal Chief Executives to treat the road as a national priority.
They warned that as the rainy season approaches, the road will become even more dangerous for motorists and commuters.
Source: GNA
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