- NDC demands better roads in Eastern Region.
- Poor roads hurt businesses and cocoa production.
- NDC promises to fix roads and boost development.
- Mahama's government to prioritize infrastructure and economic growth.
Kojo Danquah, the Regional Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged the government to repair the deplorable road network in the Eastern Region, particularly in cocoa-growing communities, before the end of the year.
At a press conference on August 14, Danquah emphasized the significant impact of the poor road network on the socio-economic lives of residents in the region. He highlighted the economic toll on local businesses, citing the forced closure of stores and shops due to relentless dust and debris from deteriorated road conditions.
Danquah lamented the damage to goods and the creation of an unhealthy environment for employees and customers, leading to a reduction in local economic activity and employment opportunities. He pointed out that the poor state of the road network has contributed to a decline in cocoa production, with the Eastern Region’s output plummeting from 100,000 metric tons in 2016 to 24,000 metric tons currently.
Danquah explained that farmers are struggling to transport their cocoa beans due to the dire condition of the roads, resulting in crops rotting away on farms. He promised that a future NDC government under John Dramani Mahama would focus on expanding road infrastructure advancements, prioritizing both urban and rural areas.
The NDC plans to revitalize the Cocoa Roads Project, ensuring neglected roads are rehabilitated and new ones constructed to facilitate efficient transport of agricultural goods. Additionally, the Rural Road Improvement Program will prioritize the maintenance and upgrading of roads in remote and underserved areas, promoting equitable development across the region.
Danquah stated that these projects are designed to address current infrastructure deficiencies, reduce travel times, support economic activities, and improve overall quality of life for residents, with the NDC and President Mahama committed to delivering robust infrastructure solutions for sustainable growth.
