Work has commenced on the reconstruction of the 23-kilometer Takoradi-Agona Nkwanta road into a dual carriageway as part of the N1 highway project.

The project, which has been awarded to Justmoh Construction Limited also involves the construction of four major bridges and several culverts with funding from the GCB Bank PLC to be completed in 24 months which could be extended based on additional works from the client.

The government has in recent times come under severe pressure and criticism from the public over the seeming neglect of the Takoradi-Agona Nkwanta stretch of the National Highway 1 ( N1) which runs from Elubo through Takoradi, Accra, Team to Aflao.

The deterioration of the road and the weakening of two major bridges led to the closure of the Ewusiejoe bridge on two occasions for repair works, while the potholes and gullies caused several haulage trucks to tip over in their attempt to manoeuvre the vehicles through the potholes.

These instances led to blocking of the road sometimes for several hours and days on a few occasions.

This situation brought in its wake untold hardships for commuters and motorists alike. It also made the road unsafe to travel on as it posed a serious threat to life.

The Western Regional Minister, Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah amid pressure announced that the government has awarded the contract for the reconstruction of the road to Justmoh Construction Limited.

However, this was taken with a pinch of salt by a cross-section of the public including the media as there was no evidence of that. Workers of Justmoh were seen on the road some months ago undertaking remedial works on the Ewusiejoe bridge and this gave rise to a new wave of criticism that, the contractor awarded the contract has refused to move to the site to start work.

The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr Justice Amoh explained during a site inspection that, there are a lot of processes to go through after the award of a contract before mobilizing to the site to begin earthworks.

“The first phase of the project involves the handing over of the site, site evaluation, planning, survey works, soil/material test, and design among others. As we speak, there are workers on site undertaking all these activities”, he said.

According to him, “earthworks will start in a month which will involve the removal of soil to flatten, build up and slope road location”.

Meanwhile, the company has acquired the needed equipment and machinery for the project which is on standby at the Apremdo campsite. Dr Amoh said everything is set for all phases of the project and work will progress smoothly until completion.

The Chief Executive of Justmoh Construction appealed to the public to cooperate and support the company.

“There will be some challenges and inconveniences to road users and communities along the route. We urge you to bear with us as we must go through such difficulties before the work can be completed for the benefit of us all” he said. “If anyone, has any idea, or suggestion that will help in the execution of the project, please come to us. Our doors are always open”, Dr Amoh assured.

Economic importance of the road

The 23km Takoradi-Agona Nkwanta road is a major link connecting the Takoradi Port to both the mining and agriculture enclave of the Western and Western North Regions. It will facilitate the easy transportation of export commodities to the port as well as the transportation of imported mining machinery and equipment.

The stretch also connects the Agona Nkwanta-Elubo road to enhance intra-African trade through the movement of goods and people to and from the Ivory Coast.

Dr Justice Amoh explained that the project is a Government of Ghana-funded project with the Ghana Highway Authority, GHA as the client. “They [GHA] are the agency that awarded the contract and have all the details. I will kindly direct the media to the GHA for all the necessary information about the project”, he said.