The Asamankama-Mehame road in Offinso South, Ghana, has deteriorated significantly, with deep potholes that force vehicles to slow down, creating easy targets for armed robbers. This has turned the road into a criminal hideout, posing a threat to commuters, schoolchildren, and commercial drivers. The road's poor state has also crippled local commerce, according to Isaac Oduro Dangun Alaska, Assembly Member for the Asamankama-Mehame Electoral Area.
The Nifahene of Agyeimpra, Nana Poku Ware, has expressed concerns over the years of neglect that have left residents exposed. He appealed for urgent state intervention to restore safety and dignity to the community. The road's condition has severed adjoining communities from essential socio-economic services, leaving residents to face daily hazards while moving between towns. The corridor represents both an economic lifeline and a source of fear for residents of Offinso South.
A temporary relief was provided by a U.K.-based Ghanaian philanthropist, Richard Agyare, and his family, who deployed heavy grading machinery to reshape and level the deteriorated stretch through their Agyare Foundation. The intervention has made the road motorable, improved visibility, eliminated muddy ditches, and reduced slow-moving traffic that robbers have been exploiting. The foundation's Project Coordinator, James Nkansah, stated that the road work is part of a broader development push by the Agyare family across Offinso South.
The Agyare Foundation's efforts have been acknowledged by Assembly Member Alaska, who thanked Agyare for his continued support. Despite living abroad, Agyare has repeatedly stepped in to assist communities in the municipality and beyond. However, traditional leaders and residents have renewed their appeal to the central government and the Ministry of Roads and Highways to award the road to a contractor for permanent asphalt surfacing and drainage construction.
The Asamankama-Mehame situation is part of a wider pattern of neglected roads nationwide. Residents of Adjikpo-Okper threatened to block the Somanya-Asitey road over a deadly curve, while Akuse residents staged a 'dust demonstration' over their deplorable road. The neglected Kwabenya-Berekuso-Kitase route was toured by an MP who cited funding as the reason for delays.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways has not given a timeline for permanent works on the Asamankama-Mehame road. Sources have not indicated whether any formal contract award or funding allocation is currently under consideration. The community remains hopeful that the government will intervene to address the road's poor state and restore safety to the area.
The poor state of the Asamankama-Mehame road has significant implications for the community, including the impact on local commerce and the safety of residents. The community's appeal for government intervention highlights the need for urgent action to address the road's condition and prevent further deterioration.
Key points
- The Asamankama-Mehame road has become a hideout for armed robbers due to years of neglect and deep potholes.
- A U.K.-based Ghanaian philanthropist, Richard Agyare, and his family have provided temporary relief by deploying heavy grading machinery to reshape and level the deteriorated stretch.
- The community has appealed to the central government and the Ministry of Roads and Highways to award the road to a contractor for permanent asphalt surfacing and drainage construction.
