Frustration is mounting among residents of Konongo, Odumase and surrounding communities over the prolonged abandonment of the Konongo bypass road project.

The residents have served the government a one-month ultimatum to return to site and complete the project or face a massive demonstration that could disrupt traffic on the strategic Kumasi-Accra Highway.

According to them, the bypass project, announced under the Akufo-Addo administration, was expected to divert through traffic from the town and significantly reduce congestion on the busy highway.

However, years after work began, construction has stalled. They claim the contractor, Kofi Jobs Construction Company, is no longer on site, leaving the project incomplete.

Residents say the abandoned project has turned the highway into a daily nightmare, with motorists spending several hours in traffic while businesses suffer significant losses.

They also blame the delays for the increasing number of fatal crashes on the stretch.

Their concerns have intensified following last Wednesday's tragic accident at Odumase, where 13 people, including a five-year-old child, died instantly after three vehicles collided.

One resident claimed that ''more than 32 people have lost their lives in crashes on the Konongo-Odumase stretch in recent years'.''

He recounted the death of his apprentice, Akwesi Yamoah, who was knocked down by a vehicle, describing the incident as one of several tragedies that could have been prevented if the bypass had been completed.

The residents further lamented the poor condition of the link roads, while describing sections of the ECOWAS highway as a death trap because of deep potholes and deteriorating road surfaces.

They are, therefore, calling on the government to immediately resume construction of the bypass and rehabilitate the affected roads to improve safety and ease traffic congestion.

One of the organisers of the planned demonstration, Pascal Kwaku Oppong, says the agitation is driven by public frustration and not political affiliation.

Mr Oppong, who says he once composed a campaign song for the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), insists the youth have moved beyond partisan politics in their demand for a safer road.

"We are tired of the politics and the endless promises. People are dying while leaders continue to debate. If nothing is done within the one-month ultimatum, we will block the Kumasi-Accra Highway until government acts," he warned.

The residents say they remain united in their demand for the immediate completion of the Konongo bypass, warning that any further delay could result in a major protest that would disrupt movement along one of the country's busiest highways.