Atwima Traditional Council Takes to the Streets Over Neglected Road Projects by Asabea Constructions
The Chiefs and people of the Atwima Traditional Council in the Ashanti Region have taken to the streets in a massive demonstration against Asabea Constructions Limited, the contractor responsible for the construction of a major road network linking several communities within the Kwadaso and Atwima Kwanwoma districts. The protest, which drew large numbers of traditional leaders, residents, and youth, was organized to express deep dissatisfaction with the deplorable state of the road and the contractor’s prolonged failure to complete the project after nearly eight years of work.
Clad in red and black attire, symbolizing their anger and disappointment, the demonstrators marched through the affected communities, holding placards with bold inscriptions such as “Eight Years, No Progress,” “We Deserve Better Roads,” “Asabea Must Go,” and “Stop Neglecting Atwima Roads.” The protest drew attention from commuters and onlookers as the chiefs led the charge for accountability and immediate government intervention.
Speaking to journalists during the protest, Nana Tieku Owusu Ansah II, Head of Linguists for the Atwimahene, described the situation as a total betrayal of public trust. He said that since Asabea Constructions Limited began work on the road nearly eight years ago, there has been little progress, with most of the completed portions already deteriorating due to poor workmanship. He lamented that the road, which connects several vibrant communities in the Atwima area, has become a nightmare for motorists and residents alike.
He explained that the poor condition of the road has made transportation extremely difficult, disrupting economic activities, particularly for farmers who struggle to transport their produce to major market centers. He also accused the contractor of showing disregard for traditional authorities and the community by failing to respond to calls for dialogue and accountability on the project’s progress.
Nana Tieku Owusu Ansah further appealed to the government to urgently terminate the contract with Asabea Constructions and reassign it to a more competent contractor capable of delivering quality work. He noted that the community has been patient for years, but their patience has now run out as the suffering continues to deepen.
Atwima Nifahene, Nana Afriyie Taki III, Denkyemuoso Chief, Nana Wiredu Akrokropanin, and Atwima Akwamuhene also expressed their outrage over what they called the deliberate neglect of the project. They stated that the continuous delay and shoddy construction have left the road in a deplorable condition, worsening the living standards of the people in the area. The chiefs jointly demanded immediate action from the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Ghana Highway Authority to ensure that the road project is completed without further delay.
The protesting chiefs said that the poor state of the road has become a major developmental setback, affecting education, health, and local commerce. Schoolchildren often trek long distances through dusty and muddy routes, while traders and transport operators struggle daily to ply the damaged road. The chiefs insisted that their demonstration was not politically motivated but rather a cry for attention to the plight of their people, who have endured hardship for far too long.
Residents who joined the demonstration recounted the daily challenges they face. Many said vehicles often break down or get stuck during the rainy season, making it difficult to access nearby towns and essential services. They expressed their gratitude to the chiefs for leading the protest, adding that it was long overdue and necessary to compel the government to act.
The Atwima Traditional Council reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy for development but stressed that their patience is wearing thin. They warned that if immediate steps are not taken to address the issue, they will intensify their protests until the contractor is removed and a credible firm takes over the project.
As of the time of filing this report, Asabea Constructions Limited had not issued any response to the allegations made against it. Meanwhile, residents remain hopeful that the protest will prompt swift government intervention to fix the long-neglected road and bring relief to the people of Atwima.
The demonstration ended peacefully, with the chiefs reaffirming their resolve to continue fighting for the development of their communities, insisting that the people of Atwima deserve better roads and fair treatment from both the contractor and the government.
