The Kasoa-Winneba road rehabilitation and upgrading project, initiated in December 2023, is a critical infrastructure development expected to enhance transportation efficiency, safety and economic growth in Ghana. Funded at an estimated $180 million by the Government of Ghana, the project includes the construction of service roads, interchanges, footbridges, flyovers and culverts, culminating in a dual carriageway that will improve connectivity and reduce travel time.
The construction of the road involves 16 kilometres of service roads, the construction of interchanges at Budumburam, Awutu Bereku and Akotsi junctions, as well as a flyover at Sapato. Extra service lanes would also be provided at all entry points to the main dualised road to assist commercial drivers to pick up and drop off passengers.
When completed, the project is expected to resolve unacceptable travel times, uncontrolled access to the high-speed road, unsafe pedestrian crossing, reduced traffic and high threat of head-on collisions.
However, Residents living along the corridor are at risk of contracting respiratory diseases due to the excessive dust generated by the ongoing road construction. The situation is especially worse for residents living in communities such as Liberia Camp, Akoti, Budumburam, Awutu and Winneba Junction who are exposed to dust daily, leading to discomfort and potential respiratory infections.
While the long-term benefits of this infrastructure development are clear, the ongoing construction has introduced an unintended yet serious health crisis. Dust pollution is a silent but dangerous threat. These tiny particles, according to Scientists, can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing a range of health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic respiratory illnesses, reduced lung function and even premature death, according to experts. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are even at greater risk.
Residents and road users along the construction site are already feeling the impact. Daily exposure to dust has led to increased cases of coughing, irritation of the eyes and throat, and respiratory discomfort.
The situation is further exacerbated by the economic toll on local businesses. Food vendors and traders along the route are struggling with reduced sales as dust contaminates their wares, while commercial drivers face higher maintenance costs due to clogged filters and reduced engine performance.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution contributed to 28,210 premature deaths in Ghana in 2016 alone. In Accra, air pollution-related deaths exceed those caused by malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS combined. Despite these alarming statistics, national efforts to combat air pollution remain insufficient.
The dust pollution caused by the Kasoa-Winneba project is exacerbating an already dire situation. The project, while initiated by a previous administration, is a national priority that transcends partisan considerations. The current government must ensure its timely completion while addressing the immediate health concerns of affected communities.
Immediate measures should include regular watering of the construction site and adjoining roads to suppress dust, the use of environmentally friendly dust suppressants, and the installation of protective barriers to shield residents and businesses from direct exposure. Additionally, accelerating the project’s completion timeline can significantly reduce the duration of exposure for affected communities.
We know that Infrastructure development is vital for national progress, but it must not come at the expense of human health. The ongoing project has the potential to be a game-changer for Ghana’s road network, reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety.
However, its success should not be measured solely by its completion, but by its ability to enhance the quality of life for all stakeholders. Residents and road users deserve not just a better road, but also a safer, healthier environment during its construction.
As a nation, we must commit to tackling air pollution with the urgency it demands, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of development.
