Work on the stalled Pokuase–Nsawam Highway project has resumed after significant pressure and threats, coinciding with a planned nationwide demonstration by commercial transport operators who use that road.
For weeks, the terrible condition of this road, one of the busiest routes connecting Accra to the Eastern, Ashanti, Bono East, and Northern Regions, has faced strong criticism from drivers, locals, and transport unions.
Recent heavy rains have made the situation worse, rendering the road nearly impassable and disrupting transportation and economic activities.
On Thursday, August 14, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC, the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), and other commercial transport operators issued a one-week ultimatum to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, demanding urgent repairs or threatening to park their vehicles and hold a nationwide protest.
In their statement, the unions expressed that the poor road conditions were increasing operational costs due to frequent vehicle repairs, shorter vehicle lifespans, and more spare part replacements.
“This issue affects not only commercial transport operators but all drivers using this vital route to the Eastern, Ashanti, and other northern regions. It is disrupting daily life and economic activities,” the statement said.
The operators mentioned that a previous meeting with the Minister for Roads and Highways resulted in a six-week promise to repair the road, but that deadline passed without any visible improvements.
However, checks by The New Republic (TNR) yesterday August 18, confirmed that contractors have returned to the site and resumed work. This action is viewed as a direct response to the unions’ ultimatum and extensive media coverage of the road’s poor condition.
Even with the work resuming, the transport operators maintain that they will closely monitor the progress and remain firm in their demand for urgent, concrete results.
By Philip Antoh