The Krontihene of Akyem Asuom, Nana Boadi Amponim Obodade III, together with other traditional rulers in the Kwaebibirem Municipality, marked the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of the 18.5-kilometre Subi–Asuom road with a ceremonial cake-cutting celebration.
The colourful event was held to officially commence work on the long-awaited road project, which residents say has become critical to transportation, healthcare access and economic activities in the area.
The previous government had awarded contracts for the construction and reconstruction of major roads in and around Asuom, including the 41.4-kilometre Kwabeng–Abomosu–Asuom highway and the Asuom–Subi–Kade road corridor.
The project, awarded to First Sky Limited, was expected to include the reconstruction of the highway and the construction of a major bridge over the River Birim.
However, parts of the road project were abandoned before completion.
Speaking during the ceremony, Nana Obodade III, who also serves as Board Chairman of the Ghana Commodity Exchange, expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for initiating the construction of the road.
Nana Boadi Amponim Obodade III, Akyem Asuom Krontihene
“It is indeed a happy day for us. We have suffered because of this road since 2022 when we started agitating for it to be constructed,” he said.
According to the chief, residents who demanded the construction of the road were previously labelled as troublemakers and even threatened when they attempted to organize demonstrations over the poor state of the road.
He alleged that some political figures within the previous administration prevented residents from exercising their constitutional right to demonstrate.
“We were threatened that anyone who joined the demonstration would be dealt with, so we had to back out and pray for a caring government,” he stated.
Nana Obodade III emphasized the importance of the road, noting that it serves as a major link to healthcare facilities such as St. Dominic Hospital and other medical centers in the region.
He lamented that drivers often refused to use the road after 6 p.m. because of its poor condition, making it difficult to transport sick persons to hospitals at night.
The traditional leader further praised President Mahama for what he described as his humility and willingness to listen to the concerns of the people of Asuom.
He recounted a meeting with the president during which he appealed for the construction of the Asuom road, the upgrading of the Asuom Health Centre and the creation of a district for the area.
“President Mahama told me that even though our road was not part of the Big Push programme, he would ensure it is constructed. Today, we are seeing that promise fulfilled,” he said.
Nana Obodade III also advised motorists to avoid overspeeding when the road is completed and called on highway authorities to ensure that appropriate speed ramps and road safety measures are properly designed and installed.
The Municipal Chief Executive for the Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Nti, popularly known as “Teacher Nti,” also expressed appreciation to President Mahama and the Roads Minister for approving the project despite it not being captured under the government’s “Big Push” infrastructure programme.
According to him, he had submitted more than 12 petitions to the Ministry of Roads and Highways and 13 petitions to the Department of Feeder Roads regarding the deplorable condition of the road.
Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Nti, MCE, Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly
He, however, credited Nana Obodade III’s intervention for helping secure government approval for the project.
The MCE recounted how an elderly woman once confronted him over the poor state of the road while he was driving to his hometown, Okyinso.
“She stopped me and asked whether I was really driving on that road. I pleaded with her and promised the road would be fixed. Two months later, contractors are now on site,” he said.
Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Nti also appealed to residents to support the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) in future elections after the completion of the road and other development projects.
The 18.5-kilometre Subi–Asuom road project has been awarded to Propbureuw Construction Company Limited and is expected to be completed within 18 months.
The project engineer, Ing. Samuel, thanked the traditional authorities and residents for welcoming the contractors and appealed for cooperation from the community to ensure the successful completion of the road project.
By 1960news.com
