By: Maame Efua Kwaduah
The Public Relations Officer of the Ajumako Enyan Esiam District, Lovelace Kwantwi Agyeman, has highlighted that only a fraction of roads in the district are tarred.
He reported that about 60% of the roads remain untarred, while only 40% are tarred. However, even the tarred roads are deteriorating due to age, with some dating back to 2004.
Speaking in an interview with Kwadwo Safah-Danquah on the Happy Morning Show, Mr. Agyeman pointed out that roads connecting farming areas to the district capital and from villages to Breman Essiam, where significant farming activities occur, are largely not motorable.
He said this poor road infrastructure results in drivers charging exorbitant fares, particularly after 4 pm, due to the difficulty of returning with passengers.
He added that this situation, in turn, drives up the cost of farm produce as traders pass on transportation costs to consumers.
He welcomed the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) launched by President Akufo-Addo on July 30, 2024, as a significant relief.
Mr. Agyeman expressed optimism that the program will help improve road conditions.
He revealed that the assembly had to bear the cost of road maintenance, often relying on community support, which was challenging due to limited funding.
He praised the President for the DRIP initiative, which aims to enhance road networks across Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies.