The Pokuase–Nsawam Highway in Ghana's Eastern Region has become a safety concern due to recent encroachment. Container shops, sand and chippings businesses, and concrete mixer rental services have emerged within a road buffer zone at Dobro. This development occurs despite a previous demolition exercise that aimed to remove structures encroaching on the 90-metre road reservation ahead of the highway's construction.
The affected area, particularly the stretch in front of fruit processing company Blue Skies, has become a point of concern. Containers and heavy-duty tipper trucks occupy space between the main highway and the road linking to Dobro. These activities raise questions about compliance with road reservation requirements and enforcement of regulations intended to protect road infrastructure and ensure motorist and pedestrian safety.
The presence of commercial activities along the narrow stretch poses significant risks to road users. Heavy-duty trucks entering or exiting roadside businesses could obstruct traffic and increase the risk of collisions and injuries involving motorists and pedestrians. Furthermore, containers positioned directly beneath high-voltage electricity transmission pylons potentially expose people operating within the area to safety risks.
Beyond immediate dangers, encroachment could interfere with ongoing road construction by occupying space required for road works and associated infrastructure. Management of Blue Skies has expressed concern over the situation, warning of potential implications for road safety, construction activities, factory operations, and the company's public image.
Blue Skies' Head of Estates, Prince Asimani, says the activities along the stretch require urgent attention from relevant authorities to prevent possible accidents and consequences. Blue Skies had previously reached an agreement with Dobro chiefs to landscape the area, but the landscaping was destroyed during road construction, leaving the company concerned about the subsequent use of the space for commercial activities.
The Municipal Assembly has responded to concerns, assuring that it will take necessary steps to remove facilities encroaching on affected areas. This assurance follows concerns raised by Blue Skies over the presence of container shops, heavy-duty trucks, and other commercial activities along the stretch near its factory at Dobro.
Blue Skies says it has written to the Municipal Chief Executive and the Coordinating Director to draw their attention to the situation and seek intervention. Management is also appealing for action to ensure the area is used in accordance with applicable road reservation requirements, and the Assembly's response is expected to bring renewed attention to enforcement efforts aimed at protecting the road reservation, improving safety, and preventing further encroachment.
Key points
- The Municipal Assembly has assured that it will take necessary steps to remove facilities encroaching on affected areas along the Pokuase–Nsawam Highway at Dobro.
- Encroachment along the highway poses significant risks to road users, including obstruction of traffic and increased risk of collisions and injuries.
- Blue Skies management is appealing for urgent attention from relevant authorities to prevent possible accidents and consequences.
