Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has assured farmers whose crops may be affected during the construction of the Asutsuare to Aveyime Road Project that they will be adequately compensated.

He clarified, however, that any structures erected after the project’s approval and the finalisation of cost estimates will not be eligible for compensation.

Speaking on Monday during an inspection tour of the first phase of the Eastern Corridor Road Development Programme, Mr Agbodza stated, “If the project was approved and the right of way established before anyone builds within that right of way, we are under no obligation to compensate for those structures.”

He also expressed concern over an emerging trend where individuals deliberately construct buildings within designated rights of way, anticipating compensation from the government.

“This is becoming a habit for some people. As soon as they learn that the government plans to build a road along a certain corridor, they take advantage by building within the right-of-way, hoping for compensation. This must not be encouraged,” he warned.

The 63.1-kilometre project is expected to be completed within 24 months. It includes the construction of a 39-kilometre single-carriage road from Dufor Adidome to Asikuma Junction, a 23.9-kilometre two-lane single-carriage road from Asutsuare to Aveyime, and an interchange at Asikuma Junction with accompanying slip roads.