The Adontenhene of the Atwima Traditional Council, Nana Atta Kwasi, has made a passionate appeal to President John Dramani Mahama to fix the deplorable roads connecting several communities within the Atwima enclave in the Ashanti Region, pledging that the chiefs and people will “follow him anywhere he goes” if he fulfills their request.
The chief made this declaration during a massive protest held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, by the chiefs and residents of Atwima Takyiman, Denkyemuoso, Ohwimase, and nearby communities within the Kwadaso Constituency. The protest, which saw a huge turnout of residents, traditional leaders, drivers, and youth groups, was aimed at expressing their frustration over the poor condition of the Ohwimase–Foase road and calling for the immediate replacement of Asabea Constructions Limited, the company handling the project.
The demonstration, which brought the area to a standstill for several hours, was characterized by red bands, placards, and chants of anger against the contractor. Some of the placards read: “Asabea Must Go,” “Fix Our Roads Now,” “Enough of the Deception,” and “Our Lives Matter Too.” Residents blocked portions of the road with stones, tree branches, and old tyres to attract government attention to their long-standing plight.
Speaking to journalists after the protest, Nana Atta Kwasi lamented the continuous neglect of the road, which he said had been left in a deplorable condition for over eight years. According to him, successive governments have all made promises to rehabilitate the road but failed to deliver, leaving the people to suffer daily.
He explained that the bad nature of the road has crippled economic activities, increased transportation costs, and endangered the lives of commuters. He revealed that farmers struggle to transport their produce to markets, traders lose goods during transportation, and patients experience delays in reaching hospitals, particularly during emergencies.
The Atwima Adontenhene, visibly emotional, said it was time for action rather than political talk. He appealed directly to President John Dramani Mahama to take up the challenge and fix the road, assuring him of the full support of the Atwima Traditional Council and the people if he does so.
He declared that the chiefs and people would be willing to set aside all political affiliations and traditions to rally behind President Mahama in the 2028 elections if their request is fulfilled. “This road has been in a terrible state for too long. We have appealed to every government that came, but nothing has been done. We are now appealing to President Mahama — if he fixes this road, we will follow him anywhere he goes. That is our promise to him,” Nana Atta Kwasi declared.
The chief further called for the immediate removal of Asabea Constructions Limited from the project, accusing the company of incompetence and neglect. He noted that the contractor had shown no commitment to completing the work despite numerous complaints from the community and directives from authorities. He therefore urged the Ministry of Roads and Highways to engage a more capable firm to take over the project and deliver quality work.
Residents who participated in the protest shared their frustration over the poor road conditions. A driver, Mr. Kwame Osei, said his vehicle constantly breaks down because of the numerous potholes and erosion on the road, forcing him to spend most of his income on repairs. A trader, Madam Akua Serwaa, also recounted how her goods often get damaged when vehicles get stuck in the mud during the rainy season. She said the bad road has made life unbearable for the people of Atwima.
Several community members expressed disappointment with the government, saying they feel neglected despite their consistent appeals over the years. They insisted that the protest was not politically motivated but a desperate plea for attention and development.
The demonstration was closely monitored by security personnel who ensured calm and order throughout the event. The chiefs and residents later presented a petition to the Kwadaso Municipal Assembly, calling for swift government intervention to address their concerns.
The Ohwimase–Foase road serves as a major link between several Atwima communities and the Kwadaso and Atwima Nwabiagya South districts. Its poor condition has long been a source of hardship and discontent among residents, who have continuously called on successive administrations to rehabilitate it without success.
As of now, neither Asabea Constructions Limited nor the Ministry of Roads and Highways has officially responded to the allegations and demands made by the chiefs and residents. However, the Atwima Traditional Council maintains its position that their support in future elections will depend on tangible development, particularly the completion of their long-neglected road.
Nana Atta Kwasi concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the chiefs and people to peace and development, but stressed that their patience is wearing thin. He said their demand for a good road is not about politics but about the dignity and wellbeing of the people. “We have suffered enough. All we ask for is a motorable road. If President Mahama fixes it, he will win not just our votes but our hearts. We will follow him anywhere he goes,” he said passionately.
The protest has since sparked renewed discussions about the state of roads in the Ashanti Region, with many residents calling on the government to prioritize road infrastructure in Atwima and other deprived areas to ensure inclusive regional development.
