Two youth pressure groups in the Krobo area of the Eastern Region are gearing up for massive protests over the deplorable condition of the major road linking Somanya, through Odumase, to Kpong.
Road users in the Yilo Krobo and Lower Manya Krobo Municipalities continue to endure the inconveniences caused by abandoned rehabilitation works on the 7.4km Somanya-Kpong and Somanya-Asitey roads, raising tensions among commuters and drivers.
Various individuals and groups, including traditional leaders, have publicly expressed concern and displeasure over the stalled works, especially since the assumption of office by the current government seven months ago. The situation has compelled the two youth groups to resort to protests as a means to draw the attention of authorities.
Simon Teye, President of the Dangme Youth for Development, expressed regret over the loss of lives due to the prolonged inaction on the road issue. He gave authorities a September deadline to resume work or face mass demonstrations.
“Despite numerous appeals to local authorities over the past four years, no substantial action has been taken to address these critical issues. The situation has reached a tragic point, highlighted by the recent deaths of two pregnant women due to inadequate healthcare access exacerbated by poor road conditions,” he stated.
He emphasized that the deplorable state of the road was having a severe impact on healthcare delivery and accessibility.
“The road infrastructure in our constituency is in a state of disrepair, hindering access to essential services, including healthcare facilities. Many areas are impassable, especially during the rainy season. The lack of reliable transportation has resulted in delays for patients seeking medical attention, which can be fatal in emergencies and causes extensive damage to vehicles,” he said.
Teye also bemoaned the state of the century-old Oterkporlu Bridge, noting that works on a new bridge to replace the existing one have stalled for close to three years.
“The Oterkporlu Bridge is now a death trap, especially now that the river is overflowing its banks. This bridge has been in a deplorable state for years, but no government has taken steps to fix it,” he said.
He recalled a 2023 incident in which the river overflowed its banks and submerged the bridge, forcing drivers to resort to alternative routes. The bridge connects Asesewa, Agogo, and neighboring communities to Odumase Krobo.
The group is urging local and national authorities to take immediate action to improve road infrastructure by resuming repairs and construction to ensure access to healthcare and other essential services.
Meanwhile, the leadership of Kloma Hengme Association, an advocacy and heritage organization, has formally notified the police—per the Public Order Act—of its intention to embark on a peaceful protest.
The demonstration is in response to the poor condition of the highway, which the group says is causing significant hardship and endangering lives. The protest is scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2025.
In a letter dated Monday, July 7, 2025, and signed by the group’s chairman, Isaac Tamatey Otu, the Association described the road as a major artery connecting several communities and serving as an economic lifeline for the people of Yilo and Manya Krobo.
The group said the deteriorating condition of the highway has become a daily source of frustration, hardship, and danger for motorists, commuters, traders, students, and residents.
“The dust pollution, potholes, and overall deterioration are not only damaging vehicles and threatening livelihoods but also endangering lives,” the letter stated.
Describing the protest as a last resort, the group added: “In light of this, the Association has resolved to hold a peaceful protest as a legitimate means of drawing urgent government attention to our plight.”
The Somanya-Kpong road also serves as the only alternative route for limestone-hauling trucks from nearby Odugblase and other mines in the area.
Meanwhile, contractors working on the Somanya-Kpong and Somanya-Asitey roads have attributed the stalled work to a lack of government funding.
Billy Brigham Deku, Project Manager at Generals Construction Limited—the firm responsible for both projects—cited financial constraints as the main challenge. He explained that although the company had pre-financed the initial stages of the project, efforts under both the previous and current governments to secure reimbursement have been unsuccessful.
Reconstruction works on the roads began in June 2024 and were scheduled to be completed within two and a half years. However, the delays in releasing funds threaten to derail the timeline.
The current reconstruction became necessary due to the complete deterioration of the roads, which were previously asphalted in 2016 at a cost of over GHS 30 million under the then NDC administration. That asphalt, however, began to fail just two years after construction, leading to severe deterioration.
A number of residents who spoke in separate interviews expressed frustration over the situation and pledged their support for any group organizing demonstrations to press the government for action.
