Ofankor-Nsawam road project faces fresh delay • contractor seeks second extension • commuters lament worsening conditions

Commuters and drivers using the Ofankor-Nsawam stretch of the Accra-Kumasi Highway are expressing growing frustration as the road expansion and rehabilitation project faces yet another delay. The contractor, Meripoma Enterprise Limited, has requested a second extension, pushing back the completion date beyond the original July 2024 deadline.

The 33.4-kilometer project, which began in July 2022, has already missed its initial completion target. With less than two months remaining before the revised deadline, the contractor's indication of further delays has ignited a new wave of discontent among road users. They report enduring years of traffic jams, dusty and muddy conditions, damaged vehicles, and escalating transportation costs.

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The road has become almost unbearable with the onset of the rains.

Recent visits to sections of the road, including Amasaman, Sapeiman, and Dobro, revealed deep potholes, muddy surfaces, and severe traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Commercial drivers lament the slow pace of work, noting that the recent rains have exacerbated the already difficult conditions. "The road has become almost unbearable with the onset of the rains," said one driver, Kwame Opoku, adding that travel time has more than doubled, impacting daily sales and vehicle maintenance costs.

Concerns extend beyond inconvenience, with commuters reporting negative impacts on their health, businesses, and daily activities. Traders between Accra and Amasaman have seen transport fares increase and trading activities suffer. Some drivers question the contractor's commitment, suggesting that round-the-clock work could accelerate progress. Additionally, a police barrier at Dobro, reportedly erected by 6 pm, is cited as a cause of significant traffic delays, prompting appeals for its removal or relocation.

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This contractor is not serious, the pace of work could have been faster if they work day and night. You hardly see them on Sundays. Even the number of people you see working everyday shows that the contractor is playing with our lives.