Residents and stakeholders along the Akatsi-Ohawu corridor in the Akatsi South and Ketu North Municipalities of the Volta Region are calling on the government to urgently rehabilitate the road, describing its deteriorating condition as a major setback to economic growth and agricultural activities.
The appeal follows plans by the government to upgrade the Ohawu Agricultural College into a fully-fledged agricultural university. Residents say the project cannot achieve its intended impact without proper road infrastructure.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, a resident of Dzavega, Mr. Jonathan Datsomor, said the road has become severely damaged, with deep potholes, gullies, and eroded sections making movement difficult and risky.
According to him, the situation becomes worse during the rainy season when parts of the road become nearly inaccessible and overgrown with bushes.
He explained that the road serves as the shortest and most important link between the Ketu North and Akatsi South municipalities, helping residents transport farm produce, access healthcare, attend school, and travel for work.
Despite its importance, he said the road has been neglected for decades.
Mr. Datsomor noted that reconstructing the road would significantly improve business activities and economic development in nearby communities. He therefore appealed to government to include the project in the Big Push infrastructure initiative in future national budgets.
He further stated that poor road conditions continue to contribute to post-harvest losses because farmers and traders struggle to transport perishable goods to markets in Akatsi and surrounding areas.
Communities affected include Manu, Dzavega, Ayitikope, Kpohega, Batah, Zuta, and Agbalixorme.
“When this road is constructed, it will greatly improve access and connectivity. It is a major link between the two municipalities, and, surprisingly, it has been left in this condition for years,” he said.
Mr. Datsomor also stressed that upgrading the Ohawu Agricultural College into a university would require improved accessibility to attract students, lecturers, and investors.
Another resident, Madam Rejoice Senyagor, expressed support for the proposed university project but said the poor state of the road threatens its success.
“The government wants to upgrade the agricultural college at Ohawu, and we fully support that vision. But without a good road, that dream cannot be fully realised,” she said.
She added that improving the road would enhance trade, healthcare access, and educational opportunities while creating jobs and economic growth for residents in the area.
Madam Senyagor also urged key stakeholders, including Ketu North MP Edem Eric Agbana and Akatsi South MP Bernard Ahiafor, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, to work together to address the issue.
Some transport operators told the GNA they have stopped using the route because of its poor condition, resulting in fewer transport options and increased fares for commuters.
Community leaders, farmers, and residents are therefore appealing to President John Dramani Mahama, Roads and Highways Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza, and local authorities to treat the reconstruction of the road as a national priority.
They warned that the approaching rainy season could make the road even more dangerous for motorists and residents if urgent action is not taken.
