'Demonstrations do not build roads' - Agbodza addresses Dome-Kitase residents

Roads and Highways Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza has told residents of the Dome-Kitase area that demonstrations alone cannot compel the government to commence road projects.

According to him, road construction requires financial resources, which must come from government revenue or borrowing.

Speaking during a tour of the Kwabenya-Berekuso-Kitase road on Tuesday, September 22 2026, the minister said the government’s decision to prioritise the road was not because residents had staged a demonstration.

“Nananom, let me be frank with you. We did not come here to start the work because you did a demonstration. Let me be blunt with you. You cannot use a demonstration to start a road project. We use resources to start a road project. So, let it not be said that because somebody did a demonstration, it will not amount to money in the bank for the Ministry of Roads and Highways. It will take money from taxes or loans,” he said.

Residents protest over abandoned Dome-Kwabenya Road project

His comments follow a demonstration by residents of the Berekuso-Kwabenya enclave in the Greater Accra Region on August 17, 2026, over the poor condition of roads in the area.

The residents said the deplorable roads were affecting their health, businesses, vehicles and access to essential services. They subsequently called on the government to urgently intervene.

The protest also resulted in some traffic disruption as residents gathered on the affected road to draw attention to what they described as years of neglect.

While acknowledging the residents’ right to demonstrate, Agbodza said the road was being prioritised because of its importance to a wider part of the country.

“I appreciate the fact that this road is more than a community road. The connection to parts of the Eastern Region, the status of this road is well known. We are doing this because it is a road that Ghana needs, not a road that only Akwapim needs,” he said.

The minister further disclosed that contractors working on the Dome-Kitase road are expected to fully mobilise back to site this week following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama.

He, however, warned the contractors against the practice of starting and abandoning road projects after mobilisation.

“This time round, we don't want any touch-and-go thing. When you mobilise to site, let's see full action on the site,” he said.

Agbodza said the expectation was for work to continue with the necessary commitment once the contractors returned to site.

NA/VPO