By Kamal Ahmed
Somanya(E/R), June 30, GNA – Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, Eastern Regional Minister, has brokered a temporary truce with youth groups in the Krobo area following the suspension of a planned protest over the deteriorating condition of the Somanya-Kpong road.
The demonstration, initially scheduled to pressure authorities into addressing the long-neglected road, was called off after a high-level meeting between the Minister and leaders of the advocacy groups Kloma Gbi and Kloma Hengme.
Also present were Municipal Chief Executives (MCEs) from Yilo and Lower Manya Krobo, and district security officials.
Speaking to the media after the meeting held on Monday, Mrs. Awatey said the government had issued fresh directives to ensure the stalled project resumes promptly.
“We’ve agreed with the youth groups to hold off on the protest,” she said. “President John Dramani Mahama has instructed contractors to return to abandoned project sites, and the Somanya-Kpong road is a priority.”
As part of interim measures, the MCEs have been directed to water the road twice weekly until work resumes in October.
The Minister also pledged to involve youth representatives in further engagements with sector ministers to promote transparency and accountability.
Despite the suspension, some residents expressed scepticism, citing past delays and broken promises. “This road is a hazard. Someone nearly died last week because of a pothole,” Mr. Samuel Kwesi Emahi, a resident stated. “We feel like our voices are being dismissed once again.”
Dr. Eric Lawer Sikatse, Secretary of Kloma Hengme, clarified that the protest was not cancelled, but only suspended pending action within a two-month window.
“This is a gesture of good faith,” he said. “If by October we see no results, the protest will go ahead. We are not politicising the issue; we are demanding accountability.”
He noted that the decision was also influenced by appeals from traditional leaders and assurances provided by the Minister.
Still, tensions linger in the Krobo communities, with some youth accusing local leaders of caving in to political pressure. Others have threatened to organise independent demonstrations should the government fail to act.
The Somanya-Kpong road serves as a key route for commuters, traders, and farmers. Its current state riddled with potholes and crumbling edges, continues to endanger lives and hamper economic activity.
While the Minister’s assurances have offered a temporary pause in planned protests, residents remain watchful. For many, real assurance will only come with visible progress on the ground.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/Christian Akorlie