Residents of Ablekuma Fan milk in the Ablekuma West Municipality of the Greater Accra region, have taken to the streets to protest the deplorable state of roads in the area, which they say have been neglected for more than three decades.

The residents, who chanted slogans and held placards, say the poor road network has made life in the community unbearable, affecting transportation, businesses, health and access to emergency services.

One of the protestors told JoyNews that the roads in the area have been in a bad state for over 30 years, despite several complaints to local authorities.

“Our roads have been bad for more than 30 years here at Fan Milk. We have complained to our assemblyman several times, but nothing has been done. That is why we have come out today,” he said.

The protestor warned that if no action is taken after the demonstration, residents may resort to further action to draw the government’s attention.

“If after this protest nothing is done, we will burn tyres on the road. If the roads are not going to be fixed, we have to bring ourselves out for the government to notice us,” he added.

He explained that the community is preparing to formally petition the assemblyman, appealing to the government to urgently intervene.

Traders and residents say the poor condition of the roads has also severely affected their livelihoods. One resident and trader noted that drivers refuse to use the road due to its deplorable state, making it difficult to transport goods from the market.

“When we bring goods from the market, no driver wants to come here because of the road. It is affecting our work and our income,” she said.

She also raised concerns about health risks, explaining that excessive dust from the untarred road is causing frequent colds and respiratory discomfort, while leaving residents dirty even before they reach home.

“The dust is dangerous to our health. You can dress nicely, and before you get home,e your clothes are dirty. We are pleading with the government to help us fix this road,” she added.

Another female resident, who says she moved into the area 22 years ago, shared a more personal account of the impact of the poor road network.

“I have lived here for 22 years, and I have had two miscarriages because of this road,” she claimed.

She further explained that commercial drivers are unwilling to ply the route, forcing residents to take multiple vehicles to access nearby areas such as Kaneshie.

“To get to Kaneshie, you have to take two cars because no driver wants to come here. When it rains, the situation becomes worse. You have to walk long distances to your house,” she said.

According to her, the poor roads have also caused physical strain, particularly for men in the community.

“The walking causes waist pains, especially for our husbands,” she noted.

Residents also expressed concern about the impact on children, saying pupils struggle daily to get to school due to the poor road conditions.

“Our children are all suffering. Going to school is a problem every day. The government must come to our aid,” she stressed.

Residents say they are hopeful the protest and the planned petition will finally compel authorities to take urgent action to fix the roads, which they describe as critical to the safety and economic survival of the community.

For now, the residents of Ablekuma Fan milk say they remain resolute and will continue to press home their demand until the government responds to what they call decades of neglect.