ANGRY ATWIMA CHIEFS STORM STREETS OVER FAILED ROAD PROJECT

ANGRY ATWIMA CHIEFS STORM STREETS OVER FAILED ROAD PROJECT

Traditional Leaders Accuse Asabea Constructions of Eight Years of Neglect and Demand Immediate Government Intervention

A wave of anger swept through the Atwima Traditional Council in the Ashanti Region as chiefs and elders staged a massive protest against Asabea Constructions, the company responsible for a major road project connecting communities across the Kwadaso and Atwima Kwanwoma districts.

The chiefs, draped in traditional cloth and holding placards, accused the contractor of “gross negligence and poor performance,” alleging that despite being awarded the contract eight years ago, there has been no meaningful progress on the project.

According to them, the once-promising road has now deteriorated into a death trap, riddled with deep potholes, erosion, and pools of stagnant muddy water that endanger motorists and pedestrians alike.

EIGHT YEARS OF EMPTY PROMISES CHIEFS FUME

Speaking to reporters, Nana Tieku Owusu Ansah II, Head of Linguists for the Atwimahene, said the chiefs have lost patience after years of excuses and delays from the contractor.

“Asabea Constructions has been on this road for eight years, and there’s nothing to show for it. The few kilometers he constructed have already been washed away. It’s a disgrace. We’re calling on government, enough is enough, Replace this contractor immediately,” he said.

He also noted that repeated appeals to the contractor and supervising agencies for updates on the project have yielded no results.

“THE CONTRACTOR HAS DISRESPECTED US”

Beyond the poor work, the chiefs accused the contractor of “blatant disrespect” toward traditional authority in the area.

“We’ve invited him several times to meet us and explain what’s happening, but he has ignored every invitation,” Nana Tieku Owusu Ansah lamented. “That level of arrogance is unacceptable on our land.”

The demonstration, which drew a large crowd of residents and opinion leaders, also saw participation from other prominent chiefs, including Atwima Nifahene Nana Afriyie Taki III, Denkyemuoso Chief Nana Wiredu Akrokropanin, and Atwima Akwamuhene, all of whom echoed calls for the government to terminate the contract and assign it to a more competent contractor.

“ASABEA HAS FAILED US”-CHIEFS DECLARE

“We have lost confidence in Asabea Constructions,” said Nana Afriyie Taki III. “He has failed the people, failed the government, and failed the community. We want action, not more promises.”

The chiefs lamented that the poor state of the road has destroyed vehicles, hindered emergency responses, and crippled local businesses, especially for farmers and traders who rely on the route to transport goods to market.

CHIEFS CALL FOR GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION

The Atwima Traditional Council is urging the Ministry of Roads and Highways to intervene immediately, terminate the existing contract, and hand the project over to a capable construction firm that can deliver quality and durable work.

Residents who joined the protest described the situation as “unbearable and insulting”, accusing the contractor of abandoning the project while the community continues to suffer.

NO RESPONSE FROM ASABEA CONSTRUCTIONS

Attempts by journalists to reach Asabea Constructions for a response proved unsuccessful as calls and messages to company officials went unanswered. The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and the Department of Urban Roads are yet to issue any statement regarding the matter.

Meanwhile, the chiefs have vowed to intensify their protest if the government fails to act swiftly.

“This is not politics,” one elder said firmly. “This is about respect, accountability, and justice for our people.”