Paga: Residents of Nyania in the Nyania/Babile Electoral Area of the Kassena-Nankana West District have expressed gratitude to Mr Wenawome Aborah Duriyem, a philanthropist, for constructing a culvert over a stream that had for years posed a major challenge to movement within the community. The stream, which overflows during the rainy season, often became impassable, cutting off residents from the district capital, Paga, and limiting access to the district hospital, markets, schools, and other essential services.
According to Ghana News Agency, for years, the situation forced residents, motorists, and farmers to either use longer alternative routes or suspend their journeys altogether whenever heavy rains caused the stream to overflow its banks. Children often struggled to get to school, patients found it difficult to access healthcare, while farmers faced challenges transporting their produce to markets.
The newly constructed culvert is expected to ease transportation challenges, improve access to social services, and boost economic activities in the community. Residents described the project as a lifesaving intervention that had significantly improved movement within the area. Ms Alhassan Veronica, a resident and agricultural extension officer, said the absence of a proper crossing point made life difficult for community members, especially during heavy rains.
She noted that when it rained, people could not cross. Motorists had to park their motorcycles and continue on foot, while drivers were forced to use alternative routes. Some residents simply stayed indoors because movement became impossible. According to her, the situation also affected access to healthcare and markets. She explained that the road served as an important link between the community and Paga, where residents accessed the district hospital, schools, and the main market.
Ms Veronica commended Mr Duriyem for the intervention, saying it had prevented further hardship and possible migration from the community. Ms Augustina Averu, another resident, said residents previously parked their motorcycles and vehicles on one side of the crossing and walked through the flooded area before continuing their journeys.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Mr Duriyem said the project was motivated by the persistent difficulties residents faced every rainy season. He explained that although community members had on several occasions attempted to mobilize resources to address the challenge, progress had been slow, prompting him to take up the project. He emphasized that government cannot do everything alone, and individuals must contribute to improving their communities.