Ga South Municipality – In a powerful display of frustration, hundreds of protestors from the Ga South Municipality took to the Mallam-Kasoa highway to demand swift action on the perennial traffic issues that plague daily commuters, especially exacerbated during rainfall.
Organized by Accra FM of the Class Media Group, the demonstrators used the hashtag “Fix Kasoa Highway” to draw attention to their cause. Gathering at the Tuba taxi rank, they marched along the highway to Barrier, where they submitted a petition to local authorities.
The protesters blocked both sides of the road, causing significant traffic disruptions for over two hours. They held placards with messages such as “Drop The Cathedral And Fix Kasoa Highway,” “We Are No More Spectators, Fix Kasoa Roads,” and “The IMF Money Can Fix Kasoa Highway.”
Primarily composed of youth, drivers, and local residents, the protestors voiced their concerns. Passengers lamented over delays, drivers criticized the increased fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance due to poor road conditions.
The Tuba area experienced severe traffic due to mudslide from a hill near the tollbooth, which resulted from sand-winning activities. The roads from Bortianor to Barrier and surrounding areas were also flooded, making them impassable and causing fatalities over the years.
The protestors attempted to meet with their Member of Parliament, Mr. Sylvester Mensah Tetteh, but he was absent, leading to a police intervention to prevent vandalism of his office. A clash occurred between the protestors and an anti-landguard squad of the Ghana Police Service, allegedly called in by the MP.
The protestors demanded the presence of Road Minister, Mr. Kwasi Amoako-Atta, or the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) to address their concerns. The municipal engineer, Ing Daniel Nii Sowah, received the petition from Ms. Elaine Attoh, the convenor, who gave the government a two-week ultimatum to begin the road works or face further protests.
Mr. Akwasi Addo, a lead protester and central regional correspondent of Metro TV, highlighted the productivity losses experienced by commuters due to daily traffic jams. He called on the government to urgently address the issue to alleviate the challenges faced by those using the road.