Ashanti region: Dusty roads expose Pakyi residents to health risks, businesses suffer
Residents of Pakyi Nos. 1 and 2 in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region claim they are facing serious health risks due to the deplorable state of the road networks in the area, which generate excessive dust and disrupt their daily lives.
The condition of the roads, residents say, affects both the dry and rainy seasons, making them impassable and crippling commercial activities.
Shops and roadside food vending businesses are often forced to shut down, deepening economic hardship in the communities.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, Mr Yaw Gyamfi lamented that the persistent dust from the damaged roads has created an unhealthy living environment in Pakyi.
“The dust we inhale every day is exposing us to respiratory and other dust-related illnesses,” he said. “Children, the elderly, traders, and roadside workers are the most affected because they are constantly exposed.”
Mr Gyamfi, who is the Founder of the Amansie Onua DƆ Fun Club, noted that food vendors have been compelled to abandon roadside trading due to public health concerns, cutting off a key source of income for many households.
According to him, several shop owners have also closed their businesses because the dusty conditions discourage customers and affect sales.
“This situation is hurting the local economy and undermining efforts to support livelihoods,” Mr Gyamfi stressed, calling on the government to prioritise the rehabilitation of roads in Pakyi and neighbouring communities to improve public health, restore business activity, and enhance accessibility.
The concerns were raised during the fifth anniversary celebration of the Amansie Onua DƆ Fun Club, held at Pakyi on Monday, January 12, 2026, under the theme “The Love for the People through Donation.”
The event brought together residents, opinion leaders, and supporters to mark five years of community service and development advocacy by the club.
As part of the celebration, certificates of appreciation were presented to individuals and organisations that have contributed to the club’s growth and supported its activities, reinforcing its commitment to community engagement and civic participation.
The District Chief Executive for Amansie South, Hon Prince Manu Morris, who was the guest speaker, assured residents that President John Dramani Mahama remains committed to upgrading roads across the district.
He said the government recognises the challenges faced by communities such as Pakyi Nos 1 and 2 and is determined to improve road infrastructure to ease transportation, protect public health, and stimulate economic activities.
Hon Morris added that the government’s development agenda is focused on bringing progress closer to the people through improved infrastructure delivery, economic stabilisation, and effective management of the Ghanaian cedi.
He also highlighted recent interventions by the Amansie South District Assembly, including the evacuation of a refuse dump at Pakyi, which he said has significantly improved sanitation and the quality of life of residents.
He appealed to members of the Amansie Onua DƆ Fun Club to remain united and continue supporting development initiatives within the district.
