Ajumako amia: Residents of Ajumako Amia in the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District are expressing frustration towards the contractor responsible for the Big Push road projects, accusing him of isolating their community by closing access through three bridges for nearly a month without providing alternative routes.
According to Ghana News Agency, the community members are discontented with what they describe as the contractor's ineffective approach to the project, which has left them isolated and disregarded. While the residents support the infrastructure improvements, they are troubled by the complete road closures that have trapped them within their own community.
The residents have issued an ultimatum, demanding that the contractor opens access to the community within a week or ceases operations and leaves. Currently, three minor bridges are under construction, two leading into the community from different towns and one located centrally, cutting off nearly all access.
The GNA reported that the construction has effectively severed the community from the rest of the district. The road is a crucial connection to the Accra-Cape Coast highway at Apam junction, offering a vital, time-saving route for travelers. Presently, vehicles and motorbikes are unable to reach Ajumako Amia, disrupting business, education, and healthcare access.
The only available route is through Osedzi, a neighboring community, which is significantly longer than the usual path. Consequently, commercial vehicles are scarce and charge high fares, impacting local market women. Persistent rain has worsened conditions, making even footpaths nearly impassable and creating hazardous conditions for residents.
Local leaders, including Nana Ehimaa II, Asona Obaahemaa of Amia, have voiced concerns about the impact on education and healthcare. Recent events have highlighted the challenges, such as a deceased resident's delayed transport to the morgue and the potential complications for pregnant women in need of medical attention.
Efforts to engage with the contractor have been met with resistance, as reported by community members who have received dismissive responses. Residents like Auntie Aba Yaa and Maame Abena Aboah emphasize the importance of the project but stress the need for compassionate treatment and timely completion of the work.
Mr. Kwesi Etuah, Unit Committee Chairman of the Amia-Baa Electoral Area, highlighted the broader impacts on the community, including strained relationships and educational disruptions. The community is demanding that the project be completed swiftly or abandoned to restore access.
Madam Abena Dufua criticized the contractor's attitude towards the community, noting that many children have ceased attending school due to the inaccessibility of school buses. Residents are clear in their demand for the completion of the work within a week or a cessation of the project to end their isolation.
Efforts by the GNA to contact the contractor were unsuccessful, as he was unavailable for comment. Meanwhile, the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District remains active with ongoing Big Push projects, though recent rains have hindered progress. Affected residents in Osedzi have reported receiving compensation, but the broader community continues to grapple with the ongoing challenges posed by the construction.