Residents of Ayopia in the Bongo District are appealing for urgent repairs to the road linking the community to Bongo Soe, warning that deep potholes and waterlogged sections are endangering lives and disrupting transportation, trade and farming activities.
The residents want the Bongo District Assembly, District Chief Executive, Member of Parliament and other relevant authorities to undertake temporary repairs and construct a culvert at one of the severely damaged sections of the road.
Assembly Member for the Ayopia Electoral Area, Joseph Atisiba, said the road, which links Goro, Ayopia and Bongo Soe, has deteriorated significantly, particularly during the rainy season.
“You can see for yourself that there are big potholes which, if they are not worked on, can cause havoc to many lives,” he said while inspecting portions of the road.
Mr. Atisiba said several accidents have occurred along the stretch over the years, making immediate intervention necessary.
He recalled that the late Bongo District Chief Executive, Joseph Akasake Abaah, supported the community with an Assembly tipper truck to fill some of the major potholes, but said the intervention provided only temporary relief.
“Unfortunately, the rain has come to destroy the road again, and we have so many of such potholes along the road stretch, which is not helpful at all,” he stated.
Mr. Atisiba appealed to the current DCE and MP to mobilise Assembly machinery to undertake emergency repairs while authorities pursue a permanent solution.
“Honourable DCE, if you are listening to me, come to our aid. Honourable MP, if you are listening to me, please kindly come to our aid once again. If for nothing at all, once Assembly tipper trucks are there, kindly see how best you can mobilise the machines to help us fill these potholes and save lives,” he appealed.
Another resident, Maclean Agumbire, called specifically for the construction of a culvert at a badly damaged section of the Ayopia-Bongo Soe road to improve drainage and make the stretch safer.
He said pedestrians and motorcyclists struggle to use the section during the rainy season because of its condition.
“Any time a motorbike or somebody even walking on foot wants to pass, it becomes very difficult. The road has a serious problem here,” he said.
Mr. Agumbire said the immediate priority should be the construction of a culvert to allow water to flow properly and make the affected section passable.
He recalled an incident in which a health worker reportedly fell while using the road.
“Last time, we had a health worker passing by and the person fell here. So I am pleading with them to come to our aid and solve the problem for us,” he said.
He added that the poor drainage has affected nearby family lands and farming activities, including areas used for rice cultivation.
Ezekiel Asampana, a local canboo driver, said the deteriorating road is also affecting transportation and commercial activities in Ayopia.
“Everybody can see that I have come and remained in this water because of the nature of the road. Our road has spoiled. Truly, we are crying for help,” he said while standing in a waterlogged section of the road.
Mr. Asampana said the condition of the road makes it difficult for traders to travel to Ayopia, particularly during the rainy season, despite the community having a market that attracts traders from surrounding areas.
“Sometimes when businessmen come to our area, especially because we have a market where people come to trade and go back, the nature of the road makes it difficult for them,” he explained.
He said motorists also risk damaging their vehicles and motorbikes while navigating the potholes and flooded sections.
“It is not only here. The whole road is like this,” he stated.
Residents are appealing to the Bongo District Assembly and other authorities to repair the deteriorated sections and construct the needed culvert to improve safety and access between Ayopia, Bongo Soe and surrounding communities.
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