Klo Agogo residents protest bad roads; demand halt in local tax

Residents of Klo Agogo in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region have embarked on a demonstration over deplorable road network, collapsing market sheds and deteriorating sanitation challenges.

Chiefs and opinion leaders in the community have served notice to local authorities to stop the collection of revenue from the second-largest revenue-generating market center, serving about fifty (50) communities with total population of 20,000 peasant farmers.

According to the demonstrators, Klo Agogo has been neglected by the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly despite its contribution to revenue generation.

They contend that the major road linking the community to Koforidua continues to deteriorate by erosion which has washed away portions of the road, making it difficult for traders and farmers to transport farm produce.

Apart from this, the only Market Center in the community and its surrounding villages are collapsing due to lack of maintenance since its establishment in November 25, 1954.

More worrying, according to the demonstrators, is the poor sanitation situation at the market center due to the non-collection of waste generated leaving piles of rubbish mostly degradable waste to decompose emitting pungent stench.

The recent rainfalls have worsened the sanitation situation creating fear of cholera outbreak.

Immediately Past Assembly Member for Klo Agogo Harold Kumah told Starr News several letters written to the Municipal Assembly for the problems to be addressed have not yielded results hence the decision by residents to demonstrate.

He mentioned that one pressing need of the community is a police post. He noted the community has put up a structure to be used as a Police post but the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly has failed to support the community to complete the project despite increasing insecurity including robbery attacks.

He said the demonstration will be repeated every market day until their grievances are addressed.

Nene Odjeyem I, the Chief of Klo Agogo said the Community is reeling under serious developmental challenges accusing the Municipal Chief Executive for the area Tetteh Kupualor of not heeding to their cry.

He concurred with the decision to stop the collection of revenue in the community until their concerns are addressed.

The youth in the community said the absence of basic social amenities have led to an increase in rural-urban migration in spite of the huge potential in the agriculture sector in the area.

The Assesewa District Police Commander, Superintendent Boakye Ansah, said the demonstrators violated the Public Order Act by failing to notify the police before the demonstration however upon intelligence, he is leading his men to maintain law and order.