After years of frustration, dust pollution, protests, and dangerous driving conditions, residents and motorists along the Somanya-Kpong road in the Eastern Region are finally witnessing what many describe as a long-awaited turning point, as contractors have commenced the application of primer seal and bituminous surfacing works on the badly deteriorated stretch.
The latest phase of the reconstruction exercise officially began on Friday, May 22, 2026, starting from the Somanya Roundabout and extending to the frontage of Nagisa Pharmacy in Somanya. The development marks a significant milestone in the reconstruction of one of the Eastern Region’s most economically strategic but heavily damaged roads.
Engineers supervising the project explained that the application of the primer seal forms a critical preparatory stage for the eventual laying of the first and second coats of asphalt surfacing. The process is expected to improve road durability while preparing the surface for final finishing works.
For residents of the Yilo Krobo and Lower Manya Krobo municipalities, the sight of heavy construction equipment actively spreading bitumen on the road has generated renewed optimism and excitement after years of disappointment and repeated appeals to successive governments.
The Somanya-Kpong road has for several years remained a major source of concern for commuters, commercial drivers, traders, and businesses operating within the Krobo enclave. Deep potholes, severe erosion, loose gravel, and thick clouds of dust turned daily travel into a nightmare for thousands of road users.
Commercial transport operators repeatedly complained about the rapid destruction of vehicle suspension systems, tyres and other spare parts due to the poor condition of the road, leading to transport fares also increased significantly over the years as drivers attempted to recover maintenance costs.
Traders and market women who depend on the road for transporting goods between Somanya, Kpong, Agomanya, Akosombo, and surrounding communities equally suffered delays and financial losses due to the deteriorating condition of the stretch.
Beyond the economic burden, residents living along the corridor faced serious health concerns caused by the persistent dust generated by heavy vehicular movement. Many residents, including schoolchildren and roadside traders, reportedly suffered respiratory infections, eye irritation, catarrh, and chronic coughs linked to the dusty environment.
The worsening condition of the road eventually triggered several public demonstrations and agitations by residents and pressure groups in the Krobo area demanding immediate government intervention.
One of the most notable demonstrations was organized by the Coalition of Krobo Groups from Somanya and Odumase-Krobo, who petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to urgently intervene and ensure the reconstruction of the road before the situation worsened further.
Through their respective Municipal Chief Executives (MCEs), the coalition appealed to the president to direct the Ministry of Roads and Highways as well as the Ghana Highways Authority to compel the contractor to resume work within sixty days.
The coalition further demanded that durable construction materials capable of withstanding the pressure from the heavy limestone-haulage trucks that frequently ply the route be used for the reconstruction works.
During the massive protest march from Somanya to Odumase-Krobo, demonstrators carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Road maintenance is not optional.” “Our women are suffering in Agomanya Market,” “Krobo MPs wake up,” and “The president appointed ministers, but they are failing us.”
Speaking during the protest, Chairman of Kloma Hengme, Isaac Tamatey Otu, described the Somanya-Kpong road as a critical transportation corridor linking Somanya, Odumase-Krobo, Kpong, the Akosombo-Tema industrial enclave and parts of the Volta Region.
According to him, although the road was reconstructed in 2016 by First Sky Construction Limited, it began deteriorating only a few years after completion due largely to the constant movement of overloaded limestone-haulage trucks and the failure to use durable materials suitable for the traffic pressure on the route.
He explained that growing public dissatisfaction during the previous administration eventually led to the inclusion of the road as an addendum to the broader Nkurakan-Trom Road Project, which was awarded to General Construction Limited.
Construction activities reportedly commenced around July 2024 and progressed steadily until the change of government in January 2025, after which work slowed considerably, further intensifying public frustration and anger.
However, with contractors now visibly applying primer seal and bitumen surfacing on the road, confidence appears to be gradually returning among residents and road users.
Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, who inspected the project on Saturday, May 23, 2026, received a warm and enthusiastic reception from residents who thronged the area to express appreciation and renewed hope for the completion of the road.
During the inspection tour, the Regional Minister (RM) urged the contractor to ensure that high-quality and durable work is carried out to withstand the constant pressure from heavy-duty trucks that use the stretch daily.
She further assured residents that the government remains committed to addressing other deteriorated road networks within the area to improve transportation, stimulate economic activities, and enhance connectivity within the Eastern Region.
Residents who interacted with the minister expressed optimism that the completion of the Somanya-Kpong road would significantly reduce transportation costs, improve safety, ease traffic congestion, and boost commercial activities across the Krobo enclave and adjoining communities.
Many residents believe the project will restore public confidence in infrastructure delivery while opening up new economic opportunities for businesses and investors in the area.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Kloma Hengme, Isaac Tamatey Otu, has cautioned that while residents are excited about the visible progress on the road, concerns still remain about the overall quality and durability of the work being executed.
“As much as we are happy that the primer seal is finally being applied and the dust situation will reduce, we are equally concerned about the quality of work being done,” he stated.
“We do not want a situation where this road will be completed and within a few years deteriorate again as has happened with many roads constructed in the Krobo area over the years. I am, therefore, urging the contractor to focus on quality work and use the best materials for the project.”
He stressed that General Construction Limited must pay particular attention to the axle loads of the heavy limestone-haulage trucks that use the road daily.
Mr. Otu further called on residents and road users to remain vigilant and actively monitor the construction process to ensure accountability and quality assurance.
“As citizens, we have a responsibility to keep the contractor in check. If anyone notices any form of shoddy work, it is our duty to report it to the appropriate authorities for action to be taken,” he emphasized.
He advised residents to channel complaints or observations regarding the project through the Municipal Engineer’s office, the Municipal Chief Executive’s office, or other relevant authorities within the municipalities.
With construction activities now visibly progressing, residents across the Krobo enclave remain hopeful that the rehabilitation works will continue without interruption until the entire Somanya-Kpong stretch is fully completed and opened to smooth and safe vehicular movement.
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