A Chronicle report highlighting the desperate plea by the Kwahu South Municipal Chief Executive, Osei Bonsu, for the construction of the Adawso–Nketepa–New Jerusalem Road has yielded a swift response from the government, with work on the long-awaited project now officially underway.
The development is being hailed by residents, traditional authorities and Assembly Members in the affected communities as a major breakthrough after years of frustration over the deplorable condition of the road.
The Chronicle, in an earlier publication, highlighted the passionate appeal by the Kwahu South MCE to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and ensure the construction of the road, which serves several communities in the municipality.
The report brought renewed attention to the deteriorating road network and the socio-economic difficulties confronting residents, particularly farmers and commercial operators who depend on the road to transport people and goods.
Government has subsequently responded to the concerns, with Kabaka Construction Company mobilised to commence work on the road.
The development has given fresh meaning to the role of the media in highlighting development challenges and drawing the attention of policymakers to the needs of communities.
MCE: ‘I put my job on the line’
Speaking to the media during a community entry programme at Kwahu Adawso to formally commence the road project, Hon. Osei Bonsu, popularly known as Atoplans, expressed his gratitude to President Mahama and the government for responding swiftly to his appeal.
The MCE said he was particularly excited that his plea, which he had pursued through the Minister of Roads and Highways, had finally received the desired response. According to him, the importance of the road to the people of Kwahu South compelled him to take an unusually bold position, including putting his job on the line to demonstrate his commitment to seeing the project become a reality.
“I took a bold decision and put my job on the line because I believed this road must be constructed for the people of Kwahu South,” he stated. He said the commencement of the project represented a significant victory for the people of the municipality, who had endured years of hardship because of the poor state of the road.
Bonsu described the Adawso–Nketepa–New Jerusalem road as the second major “virgin road” project being undertaken under the current administration. According to him, the first was the much-publicised Accra–Kumasi Expressway, which is also under construction.
He expressed optimism that the completion of the road would transform the economic fortunes of communities along the corridor by opening them up to greater commercial activity and improving the movement of agricultural produce.
The MCE appealed to residents, chiefs and Assembly Members in the affected communities to cooperate fully with Kabaka Construction Company to ensure that the project was completed successfully.
Assembly Members representing electoral areas along the road corridor have welcomed the commencement of the project, expressing gratitude to the government for responding to the longstanding concerns of their constituents.
They said the poor condition of the road had negatively affected transportation, businesses and access to essential social services.
They pledged to work with the contractor and other stakeholders to facilitate the smooth execution of the project.
The Assembly Members also appealed to residents to support the construction team and avoid actions that could unnecessarily delay the work.
Traditional leaders who attended the community entry programme also expressed their appreciation to the government for responding to the concerns of the people.
The chiefs described the road as a critical development artery for Kwahu South and surrounding communities.
They noted that the poor road network had particularly affected farmers, many of whom struggled to transport their produce from farming communities to markets.
They expressed the hope that the completed road would reduce transportation difficulties, improve access to healthcare and education, stimulate local businesses and create better opportunities for farmers.
The traditional authorities therefore appealed to the government and the contractor to ensure that the project was completed within the agreed timeframe and to the required standard.
The commencement of the project has also underscored the potential impact of sustained media attention on critical development issues.
The Chronicle’s earlier report brought the plight of residents and the MCE’s appeal into the public domain at a time when communities along the corridor were increasingly frustrated with the condition of the road.
The swift government response and subsequent mobilisation of the contractor have now raised expectations among residents that the project will be delivered as promised.
For the people of Adawso, Nketepa, New Jerusalem and surrounding communities, the development is not simply the beginning of another road project—it represents the prospect of an end to years of isolation and transportation difficulties.
A road with economic significance
The Adawso–Nketepa–New Jerusalem corridor is considered an important link within the Kwahu South Municipality.
The road connects communities engaged largely in farming and other economic activities, making its condition crucial to the movement of agricultural produce and the general development of the area.
For years, residents and traditional authorities have appealed for a durable solution to the poor state of the road, citing its impact on transportation, commerce, education, healthcare and farming.
With construction now underway, the people of Kwahu South are looking forward to a new chapter.
And for The Chronicle, the development offers another reminder that when the media consistently puts critical community concerns on the national agenda, government action can follow swiftly.
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