Bawdie–Asankragwa residents demand termination of road contract

Residents and traditional leaders along the Bawdie–Asankragwa road in the Western Region are calling for the immediate termination of the contract awarded to Asabea Construction. The demand for action follows the tragic death of a young girl who fell into an open, poorly constructed drain, an incident that has served as a catalyst for long-standing grievances regarding the project. Local communities have expressed increasing frustration over the chronic delays and the dangerous state of the unfinished infrastructure, which they say poses a daily threat to safety.

The road project has been plagued by multiple interruptions, leaving the stretch in a hazardous condition that residents describe as a death trap. According to local chiefs, the contractor's failure to maintain a consistent presence on-site or secure construction hazards like open drains has led to frequent accidents. The traditional authorities emphasize that the road is a critical artery for the region, and its current state has significantly hampered local commerce and the transportation of goods, further aggravating the economic challenges faced by the community.

In an effort to calm the rising tensions, the Western Regional Minister has visited the area to engage with the aggrieved communities. The Minister acknowledged the gravity of the situation, particularly following the recent fatality, and assured the residents that their concerns are being addressed at the highest levels of regional government. While the Minister did not explicitly confirm the termination of the contract, he indicated that a review of the contractor’s performance is necessary to determine the best path forward for the completion of the road.

The situation highlights a growing demand for greater accountability among contractors handling public infrastructure projects in Ghana. As the community awaits a definitive response from the Ministry of Roads and Highways, residents have warned of further protests if a more reliable contractor is not brought in to finish the work. The resolution of the Bawdie–Asankragwa road project remains a priority for the local population, who view the completion of the route as essential for both public safety and regional development.