The construction of the Somanya–Dodowa Road and several inner roads in Somanya has officially commenced following a groundbreaking ceremony held in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region.
Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, joined the Member of Parliament for Yilo Krobo, Albert Tetteh Nyarkotey, to cut the sod for the projects, which are expected to improve road connectivity and ease movement within the municipality and surrounding communities.
The projects are aimed at addressing some of the municipality’s long-standing road challenges while supporting trade, agriculture and other economic activities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Ampem Nyarko urged the contractors to ensure that the roads are constructed to the required standards and warned against shoddy work.
He said the government’s Big Push programme provides contractors with timely payments, noting that payments are made within three months after the submission of certificates.
The Deputy Finance Minister also called on residents to take an active role in monitoring the projects and to raise concerns if the quality of work does not meet the required standards.
He assured the people of Yilo Krobo that the Ministry of Finance would release funds promptly to prevent delays and ensure the projects are completed on schedule.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Yilo Krobo, Francis Akumatey, said the municipality was benefiting from the presence of several of its citizens in government, which he said had helped attract development projects to the area.
He noted that the municipality was gradually receiving its share of national development and expressed optimism that more projects would follow.
Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey described the road situation in the municipality as a major concern, saying many of the roads were in poor condition.
She commended Presidential Advisor on the Economy, Seth Terkper, for his efforts in helping secure development projects for the area.
According to the Regional Minister, the completion of the road projects would improve transportation, support agricultural production and create opportunities for increased economic activity across the municipality.
For his part, Mr Nyarkotey said the project was part of a commitment he made to residents during the 2024 general election campaign.
He said he had promised to lobby for the rehabilitation and construction of the municipality’s poor roads if elected, adding that the commencement of the project was a fulfilment of that promise.
The Paramount Chief of the Yilo Krobo Traditional Area, Oklepeme Nuer Anorbah Sasraku, pledged the traditional authority’s support to both the MP and the contractor to ensure the successful completion of the projects.
The commencement of the Somanya–Dodowa Road project has been welcomed by residents, who are hopeful that the long-standing challenges associated with poor roads will soon be eased and that the completed projects will bring lasting economic and social benefits to the municipality.
