Bono East Region – In the Bono East Region, a crucial agricultural area in Ghana, the poor condition of road networks is severely impacting farming activities, leading to significant challenges for local farmers and affecting food prices in the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, in several major farming communities, including Atebubu-Amantin, Prang, Kwame-Danso, Techiman North and South, Kintampo North and South, and Nkoranza, many farmers are facing difficulties due to inaccessible roads.
The survey revealed that between 45 to 65 percent of farmers in the region are suffering from similar problems. The dire road conditions have led to substantial post-harvest losses, with many farmers unable to transport their produce to markets, resulting in crops left to rot on farms. This situation is gradually contributing to food insecurity and may hinder Ghana’s progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In areas like Tadieso, Wuraso, Aworopata, Akisimaso, and Bamiri in Techiman South, the bad roads have made it challenging for vehicles to reach the farms for transportation of goods. Similarly, communities in Kintampo South District, including Krabonso and Jema, as well as Bomini, Busunya, and others in Nkoranza North district, face difficulties in moving heavy agricultural equipment due to the poor road network.
Farmers in Tadieso community expressed to GNA that despite cultivating various crops on large swathes of land, they could not access markets due to the road conditions. ‘We are not able to send our produce from the farms due to bad roads, and it is affecting our livelihood,’ they stated.
In Konkonti, a farming community in Techiman North district, a local farmer, Mr. Awini Atongo, highlighted other challenges like the absence of Agricultural Extension officers to guide farmers with modern methods for increased productivity. He also pointed out the inadequate healthcare services for farmers and their dependents, as health workers struggle to access the area due to the poor roads.
Mr. Opoku Nyame, the District Chief Executive of Kintampo South Assembly, confirmed these issues to GNA. He mentioned that the government had initiated plans to address these road networks, with most roads in these farming communities receiving attention for reshaping.