The Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the pace of work on the 52km Bawdie (Amenfi East) - Asankragua (Amenfi West) road project, describing the progress as unacceptable.
The Minister made the remarks during a working visit to the Samreboi Timber and Plywood Company Limited, where the state of the road dominated stakeholder discussions.
"I am extremely dissatisfied with the pace of work on the 52km Bawdie (Amenfi East) - Asankragua (Amenfi West) road. The current rate of progress is simply unacceptable," Hon. Nelson stated.
He assured stakeholders that his earlier commitment still stands.
"During a working visit to Samreboi Timber and Plywood Company Limited, I assured stakeholders that 'an action would be seen' before the end of this year. That commitment stands, and the urgency it demands cannot be overstated," he added.
The 52-kilometre road is a critical transport link that connects the Amenfi East, Amenfi Central, and Amenfi West constituencies in the Western Region. The stretch is vital for the evacuation of cocoa, timber and gold from one of Ghana's most resource-rich enclaves, yet residents say they continue to struggle with basic road infrastructure despite the area's contribution to the national economy.
Hon. Nelson noted that he had previously raised concerns about the slow pace of work and expressed disappointment that conditions had worsened instead of improving.
Repeated stoppages have left major sections in poor condition, making travel difficult for motorists and other road users.
The project, which is being executed by Asabea Construction, has been a source of agitation for chiefs and residents. Chiefs and residents allege that the contractor resumed work ahead of the 2024 general elections but abandoned the project after the polls.
Mounting pressure from traditional authorities has led to calls for the contract to be terminated. Recent reports indicate government has approved Messrs Justmoh Construction Limited as the new contractor for the Asankrangwa-Bawdie road, though official confirmation from the Ministry of Roads and Highways is still awaited.
For residents of Amenfi West, the road is more than just a construction project — it is a lifeline. Commercial drivers plying the Bawdie-Asankragua-Samreboi corridor report hours of delay, increased vehicle maintenance costs, and safety risks, especially during the rainy season.
The Western Regional Minister has vowed to ensure that action is taken over the stalled project, with stakeholders expecting a decisive move before December 31.
Efforts to reach the contractor for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
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