Residents along the Afienya-New Jerusalem-Apolonia stretch say relief has finally arrived after years of struggling with a broken road.

For years, commuters and traders on the route complained about its terrible condition.

Recently speaking with with TV3, some locals recalled losing a neighbour who died because he couldn’t be rushed to hospital in time due to the bad road, a 3news.com report on May 17, 2026, has said.

Many shop owners also said the state of the road forced them to shut down, with dust and deep potholes scaring away customers and making transport nearly impossible.

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But all of that is now changing as rehabilitation works are underway under the government’s Big Push initiative.

The Head of the Afienya New Jerusalem Residents’ Association, Daniel Asante, said the community had waited too long for this moment, the report said.

“We waited forever, if I have to say. And the state of the road was terrible, very bad. So, we were very happy as a community when we were picked under the big push, and this road was going to be done,” he said.

He described the 16.80km road as a critical link for travel across parts of Greater Accra and beyond.

“This is a very important link because from Athenia, this road links to Apollonia township, then it connects to Oyibi, Ashiaman, Adenta, Madina, and Aburi. So, if someone is travelling from Hohoe, instead of going through the Tema motorway, has to come off the branch here and then link up to Madina, and he's good to go. So, in fact, it's a very important link,” he added.

The report indicated that some traders said business is already picking up since construction began.

One of them explained the difference this way:

“At first, you would see potholes, and the potholes were very, very big. And most of the time when the cars are moving, you can see the dust and everything. You couldn't sit, and you couldn't sell either. We wish that they will continue and come and put the bitumen and gravel so that businesses will move on.”

Drivers who who spoke to the news team and had reportedly abandoned the route said they were relieved because now, small vehicles can use the road again after nearly five months of stalled work.

“At first, small cars couldn't use this road, but since the contractor started working, close to 5 months now, it has become motorable for all vehicles. Our only problem is the dust, and we appeal to him that he should always make sure it's watered down for us.”

Meanwhile, the report stated that some residents said they will be watching closely and expect the contractor and authorities to finish the project on time, to standard, and with minimal disruption after years of neglect.

NAD/AE

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