In a heartfelt show of appreciation, commercial drivers who ply the Sunyani-Baakoniaba road in the Sunyani East Municipality have praised Dr. Kwasi Nyame-Baafi, a distinguished academic and economic policy expert, for his timely intervention to support efforts aimed at reshaping their 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, donated GH¢1,500 to aid in restoring the road to a more motorable state.
The donation, which was presented on Friday, July 4, by the Assembly Member for Penkwase East Electoral Area, Mr. Emmanuel Nketiah, came at a crucial time when commercial drivers and residents were grappling with the worsening conditions of the road, especially during the rainy season.
For months, drivers and residents had endured muddy, slippery road conditions that made transportation difficult, hindered economic activities, and caused damage to vehicles. Efforts by the drivers to address the problem using personal resources and appeals to the Sunyani Municipal Assembly had yielded little results due to financial constraints, particularly the inability to fuel the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP) machinery needed for the reshaping work.
Desperate and nearly out of options, the drivers took to local radio stations to make a public appeal for support. Their call caught the attention of Dr. Kwasi Nyame-Baafi, whose swift response brought renewed hope to the frustrated transport operators and commuters.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Nathaniel Annor Sakyi, a Unit Committee Member for Baakoniaba, described the gesture as timely and deeply appreciated. He emphasized the importance of such support from individuals who care about the well-being of the community.
Nana Kwadwo Gyato, a resident of Baakoniaba, lamented the challenges faced by both drivers and passengers, noting that the poor condition of the road had discouraged drivers from operating at night and led to increases in transport fares.
Yaw Frimpong, Chairman of the Baakoniaba Taxi Drivers Association, was full of praise for Dr. Nyame-Baafi. He stressed that the drivers would hand over the donation to the Municipal Assembly, with the hope that the funds would be used to fuel the road machines to begin the reshaping exercise immediately, before the condition of the road worsens.
“We are grateful to Dr. Kwasi Nyame-Baafi for listening to our cry. This donation will help us take the first step, but we still need more help. We are calling on other well-meaning individuals and philanthropists to support us so we can fully reshape this road,” Mr. Frimpong appealed.
Dr. Kwasi Nyame-Baafi’s intervention adds to his growing reputation as a development-minded personality with a genuine commitment to the needs of the people of Sunyani and its surrounding communities. His contribution not only offers immediate relief to road users but also highlights the critical role of individual citizens in supporting local infrastructure development.
Source: Kaakyire Kwasi Afari, Ark FM, Sunyani
