Parts of the Aboi Nkwanta-Samrebol Road in the Wassa Amenfi West Municipality of the Western Region have been severely damaged, with sections completely washed away due to intensified illegal mining activities and a rainstorm that struck over the weekend.
Illegal miners have been operating in the heart of the Aboi Nkwanta community, near a stream adjacent to the road. Their activities have resulted in numerous uncovered pits, creating hazardous conditions, especially challenging during the rainy season.
Consequently, the road is currently blocked, forcing drivers traveling from Asankragwa to Aboi Nkwanta, Samreboi, and nearby areas to seek alternative routes, such as the Sureso or Wassa Dunkwa Road. For the time being, wooden planks have been placed to allow only motorbikes to traverse the area, as confirmed by Nana Gyan Manso, the Assembly Member for the Akromantu Electoral Area, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
Nana Manso stated, “Several houses have been submerged and some residents have also been displaced. I will inform the National Disaster Management Organisation coordinator to handle the issue. Although what has happened is unfortunate, we will not watch on as residents and drivers suffer.”
The Assembly Member vowed to reach out to the Municipal Chief Executive and the Member of Parliament for Wassa Amenfi West to initiate efforts to rebuild the road as soon as possible. He urged motorists and residents along the Aboi Nkwanta-Samreboi Road to exercise patience, assuring them that the issue would be addressed.
Additionally, some drivers operating at the Aboi Nkwanta and Samreboi Lorry Station in Asankragwa expressed concerns. They noted that despite the government’s declaration of illegal mining as unlawful, these operations continue unabated in communities and along major roads.
They called on the government and relevant stakeholders to take swift action to combat the growing environmental destruction and degradation of water bodies in the area.
