Fix our roads or face consequences in 2024 polls – Amansie drivers issue ultimatum
In a demonstration of frustration and determination, drivers in the Amansie area of the Ashanti Region have sounded a warning bell to the government regarding the deplorable state of their roads.
With a resounding message of “2024 is coming – we have made up our minds – 2024 we will know what to do,” these drivers issued an ultimatum: fix the roads or face consequences in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
The drivers took to the streets, parking their vehicles in protest against the government’s apparent neglect of the deteriorating road network in the area.
They decried the road conditions in Amansie, citing not only the development of potholes and gullies but also the severe impact on economic activities and the safety of commuters, who are increasingly vulnerable to robbery attacks.
Kwabena Sei, one of the drivers, voiced the collective pain, declaring, “Our roads are bad. Today is historic for us, and we are determined to ensure our concerns are heard and addressed. We have spoken and met several times, but nothing has happened.”
He warned that if the status quo remains unchanged, drivers may have no choice but to double lorry fares to cover the mounting costs of vehicle damage caused by the poor roads.
Kwabena highlighted a broken promise made by the President, recounting a visit to a funeral where he assured the community that the road would be fixed within six months. Yet, a year has elapsed with no discernible improvements.
During the protest, drivers donned red armbands and brandished placards bearing bold messages such as “2024, we will show NPP,” “Afei de3 Amee y3n” [Now we are overwhelmed], “Manso road deserves Asphalt too,” and “So, Manso, do we have leaders?”
These messages resonated with the frustration of the drivers who feel their pleas have fallen on deaf ears for far too long.
In their bold act of defiance, the drivers blocked key routes, emphasizing the challenges of navigating these treacherous roads that not only endanger their lives but also impose substantial financial burdens due to frequent vehicle repairs and maintenance.
They also underscored that both President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia are well aware of the dire condition of the roads, and have made promises to address the issue. However, no substantial action has been taken to alleviate their plight.
In a telling incident, the Vice President’s convoy became mired in mud during a campaign visit to the Amansie area, during which he pledged to fix the roads.
Disappointed and disillusioned with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, the drivers now call upon them to fulfill their promise and urgently repair the roads, or risk facing the consequences at the polls in 2024.
