Municipal Chief Executive for Shama in the Western Region, Paul Otis Dentu, is bemused that some aggrieved youth of Nyankrom blocked their road despite their full knowledge that the contractor is still on site.
“Only a few days, I had a fruitful meeting with them and explained what has been happening in the background, and we had come to a full understanding,” he noted.
On Monday, May 4, 2026, however, some youth, with the support of commercial drivers, set portions of the 1.5-kilometre stretch ablaze using tyres and other materials, effectively blocking the road and disrupting both vehicular and pedestrian movement.
The incident left several students participating in the ongoing BECE stranded for nearly an hour.
Responding to the development, Mr. Dentu attributed the temporary halt in rehabilitation works to variations in the initial design, which require the relocation of pipelines by the Ghana Water Company. He stressed that the contractor has remained on site.
“I don’t think the demonstration was necessary. The contractor has always been present. We are currently waiting for Ghana Water to relocate their pipelines, and the leadership is aware and agreed that work should resume after this process,” he explained.
He further indicated that the pause in construction is intended to prevent damage to essential water infrastructure and urged residents to exercise patience.
“If the contractor proceeds without the relocation, the pipelines will be affected, and that will disrupt water supply to the community. We have given a two-week timeline for the relocation, while the contractor continues to address some problem areas along the stretch,” he added.
Meanwhile, checks by ConnectNews confirm that the road has since been cleared of the burning tyres and other obstructions. Notably, BECE students who were earlier compelled to trek several kilometres to access transport to their examination centres have now been spared that ordeal.
“Yesterday we saw how frustrated our young ones writing the BECE were and had to be considerate. Also, the Western Regional Police Commander called and pleaded with us to rescind our actions, with the assurance that we will see changes on the road in the next two days. We have taken his word for what it is. However, we will be complained to do something worse if not changes,” leader of the youth group Israel Kwesi Eshun said.
Already the youth are gathering items they will use for their next demonstration should the Western Regional Police Commander fail to honour his words.
By Eric Yaw Adjei
