What was billed to be a ceremony focused on the unveiling of an ambitious five-year development plan for host communities of indigenous mining company, Heath GoldFields, partly turned into a passionate appeal for the reconstruction of the deplorable 23-kilometre Bogoso–Prestea road.
Speaker after Speaker lamented the poor state of infrastructure in one of Ghana’s oldest mining communities. The recurring concern about the road partly overshadowed discussions on the mining company’s proposed development projects, with traditional leaders, government officials and business executives united in their frustration over what they described as years of neglect of a key mining corridor.
Leading the call was the President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs (WRHC) and Omanhene of Essikado, Nana Kobina Nketiah V, who questioned why a town that has contributed immensely to Ghana’s mining industry continues to struggle with such poor roads.
Addressing the gathering, Nana Kobina Nketiah V, expressed disbelief that a major mining centre like Prestea remains linked to surrounding communities by a road that has become synonymous with hardship and discomfort.
According to him, the poor condition of the Bogoso–Prestea road sends the wrong signal about the country’s commitment to communities that have contributed significantly to the national economy through mining.
He further noted that the challenge extends beyond the main Highway, observing that many of the roads within Prestea itself are in poor condition and require urgent attention.
“The situation is worrying. A community that has contributed so much to Ghana’s mining history deserves better infrastructure,” he stressed.
His concerns were echoed by the founder of Heath GoldFields, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, who described the state of the road network in Prestea as unacceptable, considering the town’s rich mining heritage.
Dr. Duffuor, a celebrated former Finance Minister reminded the audience that gold mining activities in Prestea date back to more than a century. He noted that gold was first discovered in the area in 1872 while commercial mining operations began around 1912.
Reflecting on the town’s long history of mineral extraction, he questioned why the benefits of decades of mining have not translated into improved infrastructure for the people.
“Mining has been taking place here for generations. Looking at the state of the roads today, one is compelled to ask where all the wealth generated from this area has gone,” he remarked.
He argued that the current condition of the roads do not reflect the status of Prestea as one of Ghana’s most important mining towns.
For many residents, however, the most emotional remarks came from the Prestea Himan Divisional Chief, Nana Nteboa Pra V, who detailed the long and frustrating history of attempts to rehabilitate the Bogoso–Prestea road.
According to the chief, the project has suffered multiple setbacks over the years, with contracts awarded to different construction firms only to be terminated before completion.
He disclosed that at least three contractors, including Asabea Construction and Black Oak Construction, had at various times been assigned to work on the road, only for their contracts to be terminated.
“It is disturbing that one road has had three different contractors and all of them have left without completing the work,” he lamented.
The chief revealed that the most recent contract was terminated by the Roads Minister, leaving residents once again uncertain about when the project would finally be completed.
While acknowledging government assurances that the road remains a priority project, Nana Nteboa Pra V said residents had heard enough promises and now wanted to see actual work taking place.
“We have been told repeatedly that the road is a priority. What the people want to see now is a contractor on site and machines working, not more promises,” he said.
His remarks drew loud applause from the audience, many of whom have endured years of travelling on the deteriorated road.
In one of the lighter moments of the event, the chief recounted a humorous exchange with Nana Kobina Nketiah V, which nonetheless underscored the seriousness of the problem.
According to Nana Nteboa Pra V, upon arriving in Prestea, the President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs jokingly asked him whether he was still capable of performing his marital duties considering the terrible condition of the road.
The humorous remark generated laughter among participants, but the chief quickly pointed out that the joke reflected the physical and emotional toll the road has taken on residents and commuters.
He argued that the poor state of the road has affected economic activities, discouraged investment and made transportation difficult for residents, traders and businesses operating within the municipality.
The chief further suggested that the deteriorating road network has contributed to unemployment and economic hardship among the youth, as businesses continue to face challenges moving goods and services efficiently.
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