Concern is mounting among commuters and motorists using the Ofankor-Nsawam stretch of the Accra-Kumasi Highway following a fresh request by Messrs Meripoma Enterprise Limited for an extension of time to complete the ongoing road expansion and rehabilitation project.
The 33.4-kilometre project, which began in July 2022, was originally scheduled for completion in July 2024 but failed to meet that deadline. With less than two months to the revised completion target of July 2026, the contractor has indicated that the project cannot be completed within the stipulated period.
The development has triggered renewed frustration among road users who say they have endured years of severe traffic congestion, dusty and muddy conditions, damaged vehicles, and rising transport fares.
A visit by The Ghanaian Times to sections of the stretch on Wednesday, including Amasaman, Sapeiman, Sasam, Hebron, Medie and Dobro, revealed deep potholes, muddy surfaces and heavy vehicular traffic, especially during peak hours.
Commercial drivers who spoke to the paper expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as the slow pace of work, noting that the recent rains had worsened conditions on the road.
A driver, Kwame Opoku, described the situation as unbearable.
“The rains have made the road very difficult to use. Travel time has more than doubled, and vehicle maintenance costs keep increasing,” he said.
Another driver, Yaw Mensah, questioned whether the contractor could realistically complete the project this year.
“Although work is ongoing, the amount of work left shows clearly that this project cannot be completed by July. The contractor should be working day and night, but you hardly see workers on Sundays,” he stated.
Mr Mensah also criticised a police barrier mounted at Dobro, alleging that it contributes significantly to traffic congestion in the area.
“We are appealing to the Inspector-General of Police to remove the barrier temporarily until the project is completed,” he added.
Commuters have also voiced concerns over the impact of the deteriorating road on their businesses and daily activities.
Madam Efua Owusu, a trader who frequently travels between Accra and Amasaman, said the poor state of the road had led to increased transport fares and disrupted trading activities.
