The Member of Parliament for Adentan, Mohammed Adamu Ramadan, has disclosed that more than 800 kilometres of roads in the constituency remain untarred, describing the situation as a major infrastructure challenge in the rapidly developing municipality.
Mr Ramadan said Adentan has a road network spanning more than 1,073 kilometres, but only about 185 kilometres have so far been tarred.
He noted that even some of the tarred roads have deteriorated and developed potholes, worsening the difficulties faced by residents and motorists.
The MP made the disclosure in an interview with the media on the sidelines of a public forum organised by the Adentan Municipal Assembly.
According to him, while poor roads remain a major concern in Adentan, the challenge is not peculiar to the constituency but forms part of a broader national infrastructure deficit.
“Bad roads are not peculiar to Adenta alone. It’s a nationwide thing. It’s something that’s been there all along,” he said.
Mr Ramadan said the figures highlights the extent of the road infrastructure challenge confronting the constituency.
He explained that with only about 185 kilometres of the 1,073-kilometre road network tarred, more than 800 kilometres remain untarred.
“Clearly, this is a constituency that has got a lot of issues with roads. But of course, it’s a developing constituency. So over 800 kilometres has not been done,” he said.
He said the rapid expansion of communities within Adentan had increased pressure on the existing road network, making the provision of roads a key development priority.
The MP said he had consistently advocated for improved roads in the constituency and brought the concerns of residents to the attention of the government.
He said some road projects had consequently commenced in different parts of Adentan.
Mr Ramadan cited Abenwoha, where he said close to 10 kilometres of road network is under construction.
He also mentioned the Gyatah Junction stretch, which he said had recently been tarred, while construction is ongoing on the Loto Kiosk stretch.
“Fortunately, some roads have started. Abenwoha, for instance, anybody who knows Abenwoha, close to 10 kilometres of road network construction has started,” he said.
“Just a couple of days ago, from Gyatah Junction to Rowey Junction, it’s been tarred. The Loto Kiosk stretch of road is under construction, so there’s work in progress.”
Mr Ramadan acknowledged that residents expected quicker action to address the poor road conditions but said the scale of the challenge make it impossible to fix all the roads at once.
He therefore appealed to residents to remain patient as the various projects are implemented progressively.
“I would wish we could solve everything over there, but that’s not possible. It’s a gradual process,” he said.
He assured residents that efforts are being made to address the outstanding road challenges and urged them to have confidence in the ongoing interventions.
On the Adentan-Dodowa road, Mr Ramadan said the project had been incorporated into the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme.
He explained that the previous administration awarded the project under government funding, but claimed that the funding source was not clearly established.
Adentan- Dodowa road under construction
According to him, the current administration has subsequently placed the project under the Big Push programme, which he said has a defined funding arrangement.
“The Adentan-Dodowa road has now been captured under the Big Push. The previous administration awarded the contract under GOG. Funding source was not clear. Fortunately, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama is in power today. He has added it to the Big Push project, which has a clear funding source,” he said.
Mr Ramadan said the contractor, Oswald, had commenced work and is currently focusing on one side of the road.
He explained that asphalting had started on one side, with plans to divert traffic onto the completed section once it is ready. This, he said, would allow the contractor to concentrate on the other side of the road.
“They are doing one side of the road for now. They’ve started with the asphalting on one side of the road. I’m sure once that is done, they would move the traffic onto that side,” he said.
“Then they can concentrate on the left side of the road.”
The MP said the project is a major undertaking because the road stretches from Adentan to Dodowa and is being dualised.
He said despite the length of the project, construction is ongoing and contractors are currently working on site.
“So it’s a working process. It’s a very long stretch. It spans from Adenta all the way to Dodowa being dualised. So it’s a long stretch. But work is ongoing. Contractors are on site and working,” he said.
He also encouraged the media to visit the project site and independently assess and document the progress of work.
The public forum was organised by the Adentan Municipal Assembly as part of efforts to engage residents on development challenges confronting communities within the municipality.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Ella Christine Esinam Nongo, said the engagement was intended to give the Assembly an opportunity to interact directly with residents, who she described as key stakeholders in the municipality’s development.
Hon Ella Christine Esinam Nongo, MCE, Adentan, addressing the forum
She said the forum would enable the Assembly to identify the specific challenges and needs of residents and use the information to shape its policies and development priorities.
According to her, engaging directly with residents would help the Assembly better understand the issues confronting communities and incorporate their concerns into its planning.
The forum therefore provided an opportunity for residents and other stakeholders to raise concerns and discuss development priorities, including road infrastructure, health, security, education,sanitarion with the Assembly and local representatives.
By 1960news.com
