Poor Road Network Hindering Investment in Amansie West – Businessman Makes Urgent Appeal

A prominent businessman and farmer at Manso Antoakrom in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region, Mr. Frank Baffour Gyau, popularly known as Barima Nkwan, has raised serious concerns about the deplorable road network within the district, describing it as a major barrier to investment and business expansion. He has therefore made a passionate appeal to the government and relevant authorities to urgently prioritise the rehabilitation of the district’s roads.

Speaking in an interview, Mr. Baffour Gyau revealed that although many residents possess the passion, determination, and genuine interest to establish businesses, the poor state of the roads has become a major discouragement. According to him, the fear of transporting goods on damaged roads, coupled with the high cost of conveying materials, has prevented several potential investors from setting up businesses in the area.

He explained that the bad roads have further created conditions where commercial drivers charge unapproved transport fares, citing the risks and challenges they face while operating on the deteriorated road network. This situation, he noted, has driven up the cost of doing business and negatively affected both producers and consumers.

Mr. Baffour Gyau therefore appealed to the District Chief Executive, Hon. Prince Manu Morris, and the Member of Parliament, Hon. Tweneboah Kodua Fokuo, to intensify their advocacy efforts and ensure that government attention is directed toward fixing the district’s roads. He stressed that improved roads would enhance transportation, reduce operational costs, and attract more investors into Amansie West.

Touching on additional challenges confronting business owners, he highlighted the growing difficulty of retaining workers within the district. According to him, some employers offer monthly salaries ranging between GH¢3,000 and GH¢4,000, yet employees abandon their jobs shortly after being hired, claiming the pay is insufficient. This trend, he said, has created instability for business owners and reduced productivity.

Mr. Frank Baffour Gyau is therefore urging the government, local authorities, and stakeholders to address both the infrastructural and labour-related challenges hindering economic growth in the district. He believes that improving the road network and strengthening workforce stability will play a crucial role in unlocking the full economic potential of Amansie West.