Work resumes on Pokuase–Nsawam road after drivers threaten nationwide protest
By Rebecca Okine
Work has resumed on the long-delayed Pokuase–Nsawam road project, following weeks of public anger and a nationwide protest threat from commercial transport operators.
The road, one of the busiest transport corridors linking Accra to the Eastern and Ashanti regions, had fallen into severe disrepair in recent months.
Torrential rains worsened the situation, rendering portions nearly impassable and disrupting both transport services and economic activity.
Frustrated by the state of the road, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC, the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), and other transport operators jointly issued a one-week ultimatum to the Ministry of Roads and Highways on Thursday, 14 August 2025.
They warned that if urgent repairs were not undertaken, they would park their vehicles and stage a nationwide demonstration.
In their statement, the unions decried the rising financial burden the road’s condition imposed on their members.
“The poor state of this stretch is escalating operational costs through frequent vehicle breakdowns, increased spare part replacements, and shortened vehicle lifespans,” the operators noted.
They stressed that the crisis extended beyond their industry: “This is not just a challenge for commercial transport operators, but for all motorists using this critical corridor. It is disrupting daily life and economic activities.”
The groups further recalled an earlier engagement with the Minister for Roads and Highways, who had pledged to address the problem within six weeks.
That deadline, however, passed without visible progress, fuelling anger among drivers and residents alike.
Checks by the media on Monday, 18 August confirmed that contractors had finally returned to the project site and restarted work. Construction equipment and workers were seen along major portions of the stretch, particularly at sections that had become nearly impassable after heavy downpours.
The resumption is widely interpreted as a direct response to the transport unions’ ultimatum and the intense media spotlight on the deteriorating road. For many motorists, the move comes as a welcome relief after months of hardship.
Despite the progress, union leaders have signalled they are not backing down entirely. They say they will continue to monitor the pace of work to ensure that the renewed commitment does not fizzle out.
“We are determined to hold government accountable this time. Our members are suffering, and commuters deserve better,” one transport operator told reporters.
