Accra: Prolonged heavy rains have rendered sections of the Pentecost Junction-Agape Road nearly impassable, disrupting transport, businesses, and access to healthcare in the Ga Central Municipality. Residents say the suspension of construction over the past two months has worsened conditions on the 5.2-kilometre road, increasing transport costs and the risk of flooding.
According to Ghana News Agency, a visit to the area found deteriorating road conditions, with motorists, residents, traders, and healthcare workers expressing concern over the impact on their livelihoods and essential services. The road, whose reconstruction resumed last year, serves as a major transport corridor linking Agape, Ablekuma, Weija, and Anyaa and is used daily by thousands of commuters.
Commercial and private drivers reported frequent vehicle breakdowns and higher maintenance costs due to the poor condition of the road. Mr. Nana Yaw, a taxi driver, remarked on the rising expenses, saying, 'Very soon, we are all going to park our vehicles because we spend more on car maintenance than the money we make from working on this road.'
Residents highlighted the issue of construction sand left along the road median, which has been washed into adjoining drains, obstructing stormwater flow and increasing flooding during heavy rains. Mr. Francis Osei, a resident of Agape, noted the exacerbation of flooding, stating, 'When it rained, our home was flood because the drains was choked with sand. In the dry season too, all our rooms were filled with dust. We are really suffering.'
Mr. Isaac Ainoo, another resident, pointed out the increased transport costs and difficulty in securing vehicles at night, sharing, 'Our transport fares have gone up. Now I pay twice. It is difficult to get a vehicle home late in the night because of the nature of the road.' Drivers on the Ablekuma-Agape route confirmed a 20 percent increase in transport fares to offset rising vehicle maintenance costs.
Business operators along the corridor reported reduced customer patronage and increased operating costs due to poor road conditions. Ms. Juliana Safowaa Danso, a food vendor, highlighted the impact on sales, stating, 'It is difficult for customers to drive here to buy from us and that is really affecting our sales. The dust is also a big problem for us because of the sensitive nature of the food business.'
Healthcare workers also expressed concern about delays in emergency medical services. The Agape community hosts at least three private health facilities serving residents within and beyond the municipality. Ms. Mercy Koranteng, a midwife, expressed her worries, saying, 'As a midwife, it is very difficult for me to arrive here in time to respond to emergencies. My major worry is pregnant women and children who would be stressed out before they get to the health facility.'
In response to these concerns, Mr. John Ben Armah, Municipal Roads Engineer for the Ga Central Municipality, explained that the contractor had temporarily suspended work due to persistent rains. He appealed to residents to remain patient and said construction is expected to resume next week. Residents expressed hope that work would resume as scheduled to restore safe transport, improve business activity, and facilitate timely access to healthcare.