The Ghanaian government has announced plans to resume construction on the long-abandoned Dome-Kwabenya–Berekuso–Kitase road. The 23-kilometre project, which began in 2016-2017, has been stalled for over a decade due to funding challenges and contractor difficulties. Currently, the road is only 27% complete and in poor condition, causing frustration for commuters who rely on this key link between Kwabenya, Comet, Berekuso, Agyementi, and Kitase.
On September 22, Roads and Highways Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza visited the project site, where he assured contractors and community leaders that work would resume on September 24. This follows the issuance of a Commencement Authorisation Letter, which paves the way for the project's revival. The Minister emphasized that the government is committed to completing the project, rather than adopting a "touch-and-go" approach that has hindered progress in the past.
The resumption of the project comes after a month of protests from residents, who demonstrated on August 17 to demand immediate government action. The protest, which started at 9:00 a.m. and continued into the early afternoon, saw protesters block sections of the road and carry placards calling for the project's completion. However, Minister Agbodza clarified that the government's decision to restart the project was not in response to the protest.
According to Minister Agbodza, demonstrations do not provide the necessary funds for road projects, but resources do. He stressed that the project is crucial for Ghana's economy and that the government is committed to completing it using resources from taxes or loans. The Minister also emphasized that the project will benefit not just the local community, but the country as a whole.
The Dome-Kwabenya–Berekuso–Kitase road serves as a vital link between several communities, including Kwabenya, Comet, Berekuso, Agyementi, and Kitase. It also connects the area to Peduase and Aburi, making its completion essential for the region's development. The project's revival is expected to improve the lives of residents and road users, who have been affected by the road's poor condition.
The project's cost has not been officially disclosed, but it is reported that the government has allocated significant resources to ensure its completion. Minister Agbodza has directed contractors to fully mobilize to the site and ensure that work is completed to a high standard. The government has also assured residents that it will engage with them regularly to ensure that their concerns are addressed.
The completion of the Dome-Kwabenya–Berekuso–Kitase road is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and improve the overall quality of life for residents. With the project's revival, residents and road users can look forward to a safer and more efficient transportation network. The government's commitment to completing the project is a welcome development for the community.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has committed to completing the Dome-Kwabenya–Berekuso–Kitase road project, which has been stalled for over a decade.
- The project's revival follows a month of protests from residents, who demanded immediate government action to restart the project.
- The completed road will serve as a vital link between several communities, improving the lives of residents and road users.
