The long-stalled Somanya–Asitey and Somanya-Kpong road projects appear to be back on track following the return of heavy machinery and personnel to the site.

A visit to the project site this week showed significant activity, with heavy machinery grading portions of the road while other equipment cleared and demolished roadside shops at Mampong, to create space for planned expansion and drainage works.

The renewed construction effort marks the most visible progress on the stretch in several months.

This development comes on the heels of persistent youth advocacy led by Kloma Hengme and the Dangme Youth for Development, who have consistently mounted pressure on authorities to revive the abandoned project.

The road works, which initially commenced in 2024, came to an abrupt halt in January 2025 due to lack of funding. The prolonged delay left commuters, drivers, and residents grappling with thick dust, worsening road conditions and daily inconveniences along the busy corridor.

Residents have welcomed the renewed activity, viewing it as a sign that the government may finally be moving to address one of the most pressing infrastructure concerns in the Yilo and Lower Manya Krobo areas.

On the government and contractor’s side, Project Manager at Generals Construction Limited, Billy Brigham Deku, confirmed that the firm has officially resumed work on the project. While he did not specify whether the government has released funds, he assured the public that the construction team is on-site and fully mobilised.

According to Deku, the project covers the 4.1-kilometre Somanya Roundabout–Asitey stretch, a new bypass, and the 11-kilometre Somanya Roundabout–Kpong section. All components will be constructed with bitumen, and the entire project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

He warned that traffic disruptions are likely during the construction period and appealed for cooperation from drivers and pedestrians. “Traffic is going to be a challenge, but we urge drivers and road users to cooperate,” he noted.

Deku also disclosed that residents and business owners in Mampong have been asked to evacuate properties earmarked for demolition to pave the way for drainage expansion and road realignment.

However, local leaders say they expect consistent work and clear communication to ensure the project does not stall again.

Chairman of the Krobo youth coalition, Kloma Hengme, Tamatey Otu, acknowledged the renewed activity but urged caution. According to him, earlier indications of progress turned out to be temporary, fueling community frustration.

“We’re seeing the machines on the road to indicate that work has resumed, and as a coalition, we’re happy that our advocacy, demonstration and activism have yielded some impact,” Otu noted. “However, we’re a bit skeptical because on the eve of our demonstration, we saw a similar development. We were told work had resumed, but everything vanished a day after.”

Otu said the community will monitor the contractor’s presence for consistency and transparency. Should the work continue steadily, he added, they will request a detailed briefing from the Municipal Chief Executive, the Eastern Regional Minister, and the contractor.

“We want to be sure this time that the work is genuine. Once we are convinced the contractor is here to stay, we will meet with authorities for updates and offer our inputs,” he said.

He stressed that residents are not seeking shortcuts but insist on durable, value-for-money work—especially as the road handles heavy industrial traffic, including limestone-hauling trucks.

“The fact that we want roads to be constructed doesn’t mean anything can be done. We want value for money and quality work that will withstand pressure. Durability is key,” Otu emphasised.

Many community members attribute the renewed activity to public pressure, including a protest organised on October 14. Otu believes the demonstration helped accelerate government action.

“Without the activism, the delays could have continued indefinitely. We held the demonstration on 14 October and two weeks later, work resumed,” he said.

With machinery now active on the ground, expectations are high. But both authorities and residents agree on one thing: only sustained work, proper coordination, and transparent communication will ensure the long-awaited Somanya–Kpong road becomes a reality.