Joseph Nelson tackles potholes on Asem-asa N1 highway on Takoradi-Accra road

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has disclosed that nine sections of the Asem-asa N1 highway on the Takoradi–Accra road require urgent provisional maintenance.

According to Mr Nelson, a detailed assessment by the Ghana Highways Authority has revealed that specific portions of the road have become extremely hazardous for both motorists and pedestrians.

“As you all know, this road is of great significance. When you consider its stretch from Accra to Elubo, it becomes evident how vital it is to both domestic and international trade. A substantial volume of traffic comes from Côte d’Ivoire through this route to Accra and beyond. Unfortunately, our portion of this stretch, particularly from Cape Coast, is in a deplorable state,” he stated.

He added that he had received extensive briefings from the Ghana Highways Authority that justified immediate attention and action.

“In fact, certain sections are riddled with large potholes that pose a serious danger to road users. These also obstruct the smooth flow of traffic, leading to heavy congestion during peak hours at locations like Inchaban, Kojokrom, and even Nkroful Junction,” he explained.

Mr Nelson said he decided to engage the Ghana Highways Authority on how to urgently address the issue.

As a result, he is now collaborating with the Authority to repair the affected portions of the road before the onset of the rainy season, which is only a few weeks away.

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, April 13, after inspecting ongoing maintenance works along the affected stretch, Mr Nelson assured road users of his commitment to liaising with relevant stakeholders to make the road motorable once more.

“This is a major arterial route, and with the current administration in office, it appears that a full-scale contract may not be forthcoming anytime soon. However, the rains are fast approaching, so urgent action was necessary. Following discussions with the Highways Authority, they expressed readiness to assist, provided the required quarry materials were available to fill the large potholes.

“We are fortunate to have several quarry companies within the Shama District. I engaged them, and they kindly agreed to assist. They are now supplying the materials needed for this task. I wish to extend my sincere thanks to them, and also to the engineers and staff of the Highways Authority for stepping in to address this long-standing challenge faced by motorists.”

He stressed that given the strategic role this road plays in facilitating trade across the West African sub-region, rehabilitating the damaged sections is of utmost importance.

“I am pleased with the progress made today – their first day on the job. From the Beposo side of the road, there are numerous potholes, as many regular users would know. This intervention is therefore timely,” he said.

Mr Nelson highlighted that the impending rainy season could exacerbate the already poor condition of the road if nothing was done, hence the urgent response.

“We’ve had significant challenges at certain sections, particularly around the Anto area, where lorries have frequently toppled due to the state of the road. Seeing that portion now filled and looking relatively smooth gives me hope that traffic flow will soon improve.

“This will benefit motorists travelling from Cape Coast and beyond, making their journeys easier. Today marks the beginning, but I’m confident we’ll push on and address all the trouble spots along this route.”

The road, which sees significant traffic volumes, including heavy vehicles transporting goods from Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Burkina Faso, and other West African nations, remains a critical corridor for regional trade.

Explaining his motivation for the intervention, the Minister emphasised the need to improve the region’s transport system.

“This is precisely what I aimed to achieve through collaboration with the Ghana Highways Authority and the support of the quarry companies. I’m pleased that we’re making progress. Over the next few days, I expect they’ll tackle the remaining troublesome sections of the Takoradi–Cape Coast road to provide much-needed relief to road users.”

Mr Nelson commended the management of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), the Ghana Highways Authority, and the various quarry firms operating in the Shama area, including GDC Quarry, Justmark Quarry, and Coastal Quarry, for supplying the essential materials for the ongoing works.

He applauded their prompt and dedicated response to his call for assistance, which enabled the provisional maintenance works to begin.

Mr Emmanuel Kwesi Rockson, Western Regional Maintenance Manager of the Ghana Highways Authority, also addressed the media on the scope and expected duration of the repairs. He emphasised that the Minister’s intervention would help reduce road accidents, prevent breakdowns of heavy-duty vehicles, and ease the persistent traffic congestion that has long hindered transportation along the Takoradi–Cape Coast corridor.

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