Commercial drivers who operate along the Sunyani-Baakoniaba road in the Sunyani East Municipality have commended Dr. Kwasi Nyame-Baafi, a respected academic and economic adviser, for his generous donation of GH¢1,500 to support the reshaping of their severely deteriorated road.
Dr. Kwasi Nyame-Baafi, a Senior Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Senior Fellow at the Institute of Economic Policy Research and Policy Planning, and a key economic adviser to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, made the donation through the Assembly Member for the Penkwase East Electoral Area, Mr. Emmanuel Nketiah, on Friday, July 4, 2025.
The Sunyani-Baakoniaba road, which serves as a vital route for both commercial and private transport operators, has been in an appalling state, especially during the rainy season. Deep potholes, mud, and slippery surfaces have made the road nearly impassable, disrupting transport services, increasing vehicle maintenance costs, and causing frustration among commuters.
For months, drivers and residents had made several appeals to the Sunyani Municipal Assembly for support. Although the Municipal Assembly’s District Road Improvement Project (DRIP) machines were available, the drivers were told that the lack of funds, particularly for fuel, had stalled the reshaping efforts.
In desperation, the commercial drivers launched a public appeal through local radio stations, pleading with philanthropists and stakeholders to assist in funding the much-needed roadworks. It was this plea that moved Dr. Nyame-Baafi to act.
“The situation on the Baakoniaba road had become unbearable. As a concerned citizen and someone who believes in local development, I could not ignore their call,” Dr. Nyame-Baafi stated through a representative.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the community, Assembly Member Emmanuel Nketiah expressed his gratitude and promised that the funds would be handed over to the Municipal Assembly for the immediate purchase of fuel to power the road reshaping machinery.
Local leaders and drivers alike welcomed the intervention with joy and relief. Mr. Nathaniel Annor Sakyi, a Unit Committee Member for Baakoniaba, described the donation as a “game-changer” and lauded Dr. Nyame-Baafi for responding so swiftly to the community’s needs.
Nana Kwadwo Gyato, a resident, highlighted how the poor road conditions had affected transportation fares and deterred drivers from working during the night due to safety concerns.
“We’ve suffered for too long,” said Yaw Frimpong, Chairman of the Baakoniaba Taxi Drivers Association. “This donation will give us a much-needed start. We hope other well-meaning Ghanaians will follow Dr. Nyame-Baafi’s example and help us raise more funds to complete the reshaping.”
He further assured that the drivers would collaborate with the assembly to ensure that the funds are used effectively to begin the reshaping before the situation worsens with future rains.
Dr. Kwasi Nyame-Baafi’s support comes as a beacon of hope for the community, showing that impactful development often begins with the compassionate actions of individuals. His gesture has not only restored faith among the drivers but has also ignited conversations around the need for sustainable infrastructure maintenance at the grassroots level.
Source: Kaakyire Kwasi Afari, Ark FM, Sunyani
