Eastern Regional Minister inspects ongoing works on Krobo roads

Correspondence from the Eastern Region

The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Awatey, has toured several major road and drainage project sites in the Krobo enclave, assuring residents that construction works — halted for months due to delayed payments — have fully resumed and will continue until completion.

The government has assured residents of uninterrupted progress after payment delays halted major road and drainage projects, sparking demonstrations and public outrage in the Krobo area.

The minister was joined by the Municipal Chief Executives (MCEs) for Lower Manya Krobo and Yilo Krobo, John Atter Matey and Francis Addo Akumatey, respectively, along with engineers supervising the works.

The team inspected ongoing projects at Agormanya and Mampong, where critical drainage and road reconstruction efforts are underway to address persistent flooding and poor road conditions, as well as in Somanya, and the Somanya Roundabout–Asitey corridor.

Background: Stalled Works and Public Demonstrations

The resumption of works follows a long period of frustration among residents, commercial drivers, and traders after the multi-phase road construction project begun in June 2024, stalled for ten months (January to November, 2025).

Communities along the Agormanya-Somanya-Asitey stretch had repeatedly appealed to the government after the worsening road conditions, eroded drains, and stagnant construction created safety hazards and hampered economic activities.

Contractors later confirmed that the stoppage resulted from delayed payments from the government, forcing heavy machinery off-site and leaving key portions of the road exposed and vulnerable during the rainy season.

Minister: “The Mahama Government is Fulfilling its Promise”

During the inspection, the regional minister expressed satisfaction with the pace of ongoing works and praised the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, for ensuring the resumption of the project.

“I extend my gratitude to the Roads Minister [Kwame] Agbodza. President Mahama is fulfilling his promises. The contractors, General Construction Limited, are doing a good job. This is a listening government,” she said.

She acknowledged that the works have caused inconvenience to households and businesses situated along the construction corridor, but urged residents to remain patient.

“We know the importance of good roads; it facilitates trading activities and improves livelihoods. The works are causing inconveniences to homes by the roadside, but we shall certainly benefit from it in the long run,” she added.

According to Rita Akosua Awatey, renewed discussions with contractors have secured commitments that they will remain on-site until the project is completed, ensuring no repeat of the earlier abandonment.

“Everybody should be aware that works have resumed. Some roads have been closed to traffic to pave the way for construction, so drivers should be patient. These disruptions will be short-lived,” she assured.

Contractors Project Completion by end of 2026

Project Manager for General Construction Limited, Billy Brigham Deku, also provided updates on progress of the project.

“Work is in progress, so far so good. We have no challenges. We ask for the cooperation of the people. All necessary inputs for smooth construction have been provided," he assured.

He explained that significant drainage construction is underway, particularly at Agormanya and Mampong, where perennial flooding has long plagued residents.

“We’re doing a quality job. Because we are using heavy and sometimes dangerous equipment, road users should cooperate. Motorable bypasses have also been created for the convenience of drivers,” he explained.

Deku acknowledged that the earlier stalled works would push the project’s completion timeline forward.

“We expect to complete the major concrete works by August 2026, after which we will proceed with dressing, sealing, and final touches,” he added. .

New Hope for Residents

The inspection tour has reignited optimism among residents who have long endured delays, poor drainage, and inconsistent project timelines.

With full construction activities now back on track, road users and residents are hopeful that the long-awaited road transformation will soon usher in safer travel, improved business flow, and long-term flood resilience.

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