Residents of Adjikpo-Okper in Ghana's Eastern Region have issued a warning that they will block the Somanya-Asitey road if the contractor constructing it fails to widen a dangerously narrow curve. The curve, located in their community, has been a source of concern due to its narrowness, which makes it difficult for two vehicles to pass through at the same time. The residents, led by Assembly Member Emmanuel Wortey, claim that the issue has been raised with the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly and other stakeholders, but no action has been taken.
The residents, wearing red armbands, demonstrated their frustration with the current state of the road, which is part of the larger Somanya-Kpong road project being handled by General Construction Limited. The project began in 2024 but stalled for several months before resuming, with construction now moving into surfacing and other works. Despite their concerns, the residents made it clear that they are not opposed to the road project itself, which they believe will bring economic and transport benefits to their community.
According to the residents, the narrow curve is made worse by the frequent passage of heavy-duty tipper trucks hauling limestone from the Odugblase mines. They are requesting that the contractor widen the affected area, rather than abandon the project. One resident, Roland, suggested that two old structures near the curve need to be cleared to create adequate space, with the owners reportedly agreeing to allow demolition. The community wants the contractor to allow more time to address the issue.
The Assembly Member for the Adjikpo Electoral Area, Emmanuel Wortey, revealed that the community has sought help from the Assembly and the local Member of Parliament to get the contractor and engineers to temporarily pause work on the section while the dispute is resolved. He confirmed that one of the affected property owners is expected to return to the community for further talks with the Assembly and local elders, although no date has been set for that meeting.
A woman whose shop was demolished to make way for the road widening expressed concern that the promised expansion had still not materialized. She warned that residents could stage a demonstration if nothing changes. The community elder also complained that residents should have been consulted before construction reached that section. Efforts by GhanaWeb to get a response from the contractor, General Construction Limited, were unsuccessful, as the site engineer was unavailable for comment.
This standoff is not an isolated incident, as it echoes other recent road disputes in the country. In the Eastern Region town of Akuse, residents staged a "dust demonstration" over a deplorable road. Separately, Roads and Highways sector figures have confronted contractor shortcuts firsthand, including an incident where the roads minister caught a contractor bluffing on a concrete job. The Somanya-Asitey stretch is part of a larger pattern of road construction challenges.
For now, residents are awaiting further discussions between the Assembly, community elders, and the affected property owners over the proposed demolition and widening. Wortey has urged residents and motorists to remain patient and drive carefully while the matter is being resolved, but has not ruled out a full blockade if the contractor fails to act. No timeline for the widening work or the planned demolitions has been announced.
Key points
- Residents of Adjikpo-Okper threaten to block the Somanya-Asitey road over a deadly curve.
- The curve is part of the Somanya-Kpong road project being handled by General Construction Limited.
- The community wants the contractor to widen the affected area, rather than abandon the project.
