Kojo Danquah, the Regional Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on the government to urgently repair the deteriorating road network in the Eastern Region, particularly in cocoa-growing communities.
Danquah made this appeal during a press conference held on August 14, 2024.
Danquah highlighted the severe impact of the poor road conditions on the socio-economic well-being of residents.
He noted that the road network’s decline has led to significant economic challenges, including the closure of local businesses and shops.
These businesses have struggled with the relentless dust and debris from the poor road conditions, which have damaged goods and created an unhealthy environment for employees and customers.
“Dust accumulation has damaged goods and created an unhealthy environment for employees and customers. Shops that once thrived are now shut, unable to cope with the adverse effects of the failing infrastructure,” Danquah lamented.
He emphasized that reducing local economic activity and employment opportunities has compounded the region’s dire situation.
Danquah also pointed out that the poor state of the road network has adversely affected cocoa production in the region. He reported a dramatic decline in cocoa output from 100,000 metric tons in 2016 to just 24,000 metric tons.
The deteriorated roads have hindered farmers from efficiently transporting their cocoa beans, leading to spoilage and financial losses.
“The journey from farms to towns is fraught with peril, as the damaged roads cause significant spoilage and damage during transit. Farmers, the backbone of our local economy, are struggling,” he said.
Looking ahead, Danquah promised that a future NDC government under John Dramani Mahama would prioritize road infrastructure development. The NDC plans to focus on urban and rural areas, ensuring comprehensive regional improvement.
“The NDC will revitalize the Cocoa Roads Project to rehabilitate neglected roads and construct new ones, facilitating efficient transport of agricultural goods.
Additionally, the Rural Road Improvement Program will target maintenance and upgrading roads in remote and underserved areas,” Danquah outlined.
He stressed that these projects are designed to address current infrastructure deficiencies, reduce travel times, support economic activities, and improve the overall quality of life for residents in the Eastern Region.
Danquah assured that with a clear and actionable roadmap, the NDC and President Mahama are committed to delivering robust infrastructure solutions to drive sustainable growth.
