by Kwabena Asare Darko
Residents along the Adenta–Dodowa Road corridor say government’s failure to continue paying the contractor working on the highway has left the project abandoned, exposing communities to severe dust pollution, health challenges and rising economic hardship.
The project, which began with heavy machinery clearing old asphalt and preparing the road for reconstruction, has stalled for months. The stoppage has left the stretch in a deteriorated state, with loose gravel and thick dust hanging constantly in the air.
Residents say the dust levels have become unbearable, leading to increased coughing, eye irritation and respiratory conditions—particularly among children.
Parents report that their children now rely on fans during the day, suffer persistent coughs, and experience red, irritated eyes. Health workers in the area say they are recording growing cases of respiratory and cardiovascular complaints linked to road dust and construction-related emissions.
Businesses along the stretch have also been hit. Traders say customers avoid stopping due to the dust that settles on goods and clothes. Transport operators report frequent vehicle breakdowns, worn-out spare parts and rising maintenance costs due to the poor state of the road.
Residents say the stagnant construction works have worsened traffic, with long queues of vehicles idling on dusty ground, increasing fumes and discomfort for commuters and roadside communities.
Despite repeated appeals, residents claim that the Ghana Highway Authority and supervising engineers have not provided clear updates. Occasional attempts by workers to spray water to control dust have been inconsistent.
Community members are calling on the government—especially the Ministry of Roads and Highways—to immediately address funding delays, compel the contractor to resume work, and implement strict dust-control measures to protect public health.
