Correspondence from Eastern Region

As the first week of October approaches, pressure is mounting on the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Awatey, to deliver on her promise that the contractor working on the Somanya–Kpong and Somanya–Asitey roads would return to the site, nine months after works had stalled.

Advocacy and heritage group Kloma Hengme has reminded the minister that the deadline is only days away, yet no visible work has resumed on the critical road network that serves as a major lifeline for Krobo communities.

In a letter dated September 29, 2025, and signed by its chairman, Isaac Tamatey Otu, the group recalled assurances given during a stakeholder meeting convened on July 21, 2025, at the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly. The meeting, which brought together the Municipal Chief Executives of Yilo and Lower Manya Krobo, regional police commanders, state security agencies, transport unions, traders, and concerned citizens, was initially called to address growing frustration over the worsening state of the roads.

At the time, Kloma Hengme and allied groups had threatened a peaceful protest, but this was suspended after the Minister intervened and assured participants that the contractor would resume work by the first week of October. As an immediate measure, she also directed the two Municipal Assemblies to water the road regularly to reduce dust and ease commuter hardship.

A Road in Crisis

Months later, the contractor has yet to return to the site. The road, which connects Somanya, Odumase, Agomanya, and Kpong, as well as Asitey, has continued to deteriorate, causing daily suffering for commuters, shop owners, and residents. Heavy vehicular traffic, coupled with dust and erosion, has worsened conditions, affecting businesses, public transport operations, and even health outcomes.

Inner roads in the area are also in a deplorable state.

“This has left commuters, shop owners, and residents in continued hardship as the road conditions rapidly deteriorate by the day,” the letter stressed.

The group has requested a clear update from the Minister on the project’s status, including a firm date for the contractor’s return. They warned that failure to meet the October deadline will leave them with no option but to revive their suspended demonstration without further notice.

Economic and Social Toll

The Somanya–Kpong road, in particular, is more than just a regional artery; it is a crucial economic corridor. It connects agricultural communities in Yilo and Lower Manya Krobo to markets in Kpong and beyond. Farmers, traders, and transport operators rely heavily on the road to move goods and passengers.

However, the poor condition of the road has resulted in rising transport fares, damaged vehicles, reduced market access, and declining trade volumes.

Health facilities in the area have also reported delays in ambulance services and referrals due to the impassable nature of the road at certain points. Schoolchildren and workers alike struggle with long, dusty commutes that affect productivity and quality of life.

For businesses operating along the stretch, the road crisis has meant declining customer traffic, reduced sales, and additional maintenance costs. Many residents now describe the situation as “an everyday punishment.”

Political and Civic Implications

The road has long been a subject of political promises, with successive governments pledging to fix it but failing to deliver sustained progress. During the 2024 election campaign, parties across the divide highlighted road rehabilitation as a key commitment to Krobo voters.

Kloma Hengme’s decision to suspend its July protest was seen as an act of goodwill and respect for dialogue. However, the group has now made it clear that patience is running thin. The wide circulation of its reminder letter — copied to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, Members of Parliament for Yilo and Lower Manya Krobo, traditional leaders, security agencies, transport unions, and the media — underscores its determination to hold authorities accountable.

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