Commercial drivers and residents who use the Takoradi–Akyeriyin stretch of the Takoradi–Agona Nkwanta Highway have threatened to stage a demonstration over what they describe as the authorities’ failure to address concerns about the absence of a U-turn on the newly constructed road.
The threat was made following a road inspection tour led by the Chairman of the Takoradi-Apowa Beahu Branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), James Cudjoe who expressed frustration over the situation.
According to him, the stretch between Takoradi and Akyeriyin lacks a designated U-turn. Their fear is that after completion of the road, it will create significant challenges for drivers tr avelling to communities such as Akyeriyin, Beahu, Poponii and other surrounding areas.
He explained that motorists travelling from Takoradi to these communities would be compelled to continue their journey to the newly constructed roundabout located beyond the Police Check Point near Bokoro, about 53km, before they can make a turn and return to their destinations.
The GPRTU chairman noted that the arrangement would cause unnecessary delays, increase fuel consumption and place additional financial burden on both drivers and passengers.
“When the road is completed, drivers would have to travel all the way to the roundabout near Bokoro, passing through the Police Check Point before and after making the turn. This situation is not good for drivers and passengers.
All we are asking for is a U-turn on the stretch. Drivers heading to Akyeriyin, Beahu, Poponii and surrounding communities should not have to travel such a long distance just to make a turn. It is costly and inconvenient,” he lamented.
He further disclosed that concerns about the issue had previously been brought to the attention of the Western Regional Police Commander and officials of Justmoh Construction Limited.
According to him, assurances were given that a U-turn would be created, but the promise is yet to be fulfilled.
The chairman warned that if the authorities fail to act on their concerns within the coming days, drivers and residents will have no option but to hit the streets in protest to demand immediate intervention.
In a related development, Architectural Engineer Eugene Ofori Atta, in a recorded interview, has cautioned that road design decisions must carefully balance safety and accessibility, noting that: “The creation of multiple U-turns on a highway could increase the risk of road accidents.”
He, however, explained that the specific stretch between Beahu and Akyeriyin presents practical challenges for motorists due to its length, adding that: “The distance between Beahu and Akyeriyin is considerable, making it reasonable for road users to request a designated U-turn along the stretch, as passengers crossing the road is another safety concern, so creating a U-turn would be very helpful.”
Mr. Ofori Atta further urged transport stakeholders to pursue dialogue with relevant authorities to address the concern. “I advise the GPRTU leadership to continue engaging the project engineers and the relevant authorities to explore the possibility of creating a safe and convenient U-turn for motorists using the route,” he stated
By: Portia Cudjoe
