For years, road users, motorists, and commuters who rely on the Eastern Corridor Road have voiced their frustrations over its deplorable state.
This major route, which connects the southern part of Ghana to the northern regions, has been synonymous with endless potholes, dust, and an overall torturous journey.
The deteriorating condition of this road has not only caused significant inconvenience but also posed serious safety risks to travelers.
However, recent developments have brought a wave of relief and commendation as the government takes significant steps to rehabilitate this critical infrastructure.
Manasseh Azure Awuni, a prominent Ghanaian investigative journalist, in a statement, shared his personal experience and commendation for the ongoing work on the Eastern Corridor Road.
He described the ease and comfort of traveling through the newly completed sections, highlighting the significant progress made by the contractors who are still on-site, working diligently to complete the project.
“Psychologists must have a term for the feeling people get when they prepare for the worst and get the best treatment. That was precisely how I felt when I drove past Peki on Saturday.
“I had braced myself for the deplorable road from Peki to Kpeve and another torture to Have before turning towards Kpando. But I cruised past these towns in a few minutes because that portion of the road had been asphalted, and the contractors were still on site working to complete the project”.
Manasseh Azure Awuni, Ace Investigative Journalist and Writer
NDC’s Major Campaign Promise
The Former Nieman Journalism Fellow at Harvard University, in a detailed account, indicated that the Eastern Corridor Road project, initially a major campaign promise of the late former President Atta Mills and former President John Dramani Mahama, has been a critical infrastructure project for the NDC.
He disclosed that his emotional attachment to the project stems from his upbringing in Kete-Krachi, where he often endured the challenging journey either to Tamale or Accra.
“When the NDC administration started talking about it, I was filled with excitement and hope. However, my hopes were dashed when Mahama left office in 2016”, Mr Awuni remarked.
Reflecting on the past efforts, Mr Awuni recalled the short section between Asikuma and Peki that saw some work under the Mahama administration, however, noted that unfortunately, the road developed dangerous potholes shortly after being asphalted, which still plague travelers despite subsequent patchwork.
Additionally, Mr Awuni pointed out that his investigation in 2016 into the work done by contractor Jibril Kanazoe on the 46.4km Dodo Pepesu-Nkwanta road revealed that the road developed potholes a mere month after its commissioning, necessitating reconstruction by 2020.
Given this history, Mr Awuni noted that he feared that the NPP administration might abandon the Eastern Corridor Road, seeing it as an NDC project, especially since it traverses strongholds of the opposition.
He emphasized that for years, travelers to the Volta Region, Oti, and the North endured the worst conditions on this route as contractors abandoned the site, leaving the road in a worsened state.
Mr Awuni’s personal anecdotes further illustrate the extent of the suffering endured by travelers.
“One day, I got to Kpeve, and instead of continuing to Peki and to Asikuma, I climbed the mountain and crossed over to the Sokode side and headed towards Tsito, from where I proceeded to Asikuma.
“On another occasion when I was coming to Accra from Hohoe, I decided to go through the Afadzato District to Ho West and then came from Ho to Accra. That was how much sacrifice some travellers endured in order to avoid the misery on that section of the road. Those traveling in passenger buses did not have options”.
Manasseh Azure Awuni, Ace Investigative Journalist and Writer
However, the former Editor in Chief at the Fourth Estate mentioned that his recent journey to Krachi marked a significant turnaround.
“For the first time in years, I did not curse the politicians in my heart while traveling from Peki to Have”, Manasseh expressed with relief and joy.
According to him, the visible improvements and ongoing work on the road made him feel that the Akufo-Addo government deserved recognition for their efforts.
Mr Awuni also referenced reports from other travelers further north that corroborate this positive development, adding that the many portions of the Eastern Corridor Road, from Hohoe towards Jasikan, Kadjebi, Nkwanta, and beyond, are receiving serious attention from the current administration.
Manasseh Azure Awuni acknowledged the political season and the inevitable backlash that comes with praising a government, yet he firmly stated that even the staunchest NDC supporters who travel on these roads would agree that their suffering has significantly reduced.
He contended that those still enduring the remaining deplorable sections, especially while entering Hohoe from Accra and proceeding from Hohoe to Santrokofi, can fully appreciate the value of these improvements.
Manasseh Azure Awuni’s commendation of the government on such a significant road infrastructure achievement reflects a broader sentiment of appreciation for the tangible progress made, transforming what was once a nightmare into a more bearable and safer journey.
The development not only highlights the importance of fulfilling infrastructure promises but also underscores the positive impact such projects have on the daily lives of ordinary Ghanaians.
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