By Samuel Ofori Boateng
Pakyi No. 2 (Ash), Jan. 15, GNA – Residents of Pakyi and its surrounding communities in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region are facing serious health risks due to the deplorable and dusty road network in the area.
The poor condition of the roads, which generates excessive dust during the dry season, not only poses severe health hazards but also disrupts business activities and social life.
During the rainy season, the roads become almost impassable, crippling commercial activities and movement within the communities.
Shops and roadside food vendors are often forced to shut down, worsening economic hardship among residents.
Mr Yaw Gyamfi, founder of the Amansie Onua Dɔ Fun Club, raised the concern on behalf of the people during the club’s fifth anniversary celebration.
He said the persistent dust from the damaged roads had created an unhealthy living environment in Pakyi and its environs.
“The dust we inhale every day is exposing us to respiratory and other dust-related illnesses. Children, the elderly, traders, and roadside workers are the most affected because they are constantly exposed,” he told the gathering, which included Mr Prince Manu Morris, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie West.
Mr Gyamfi 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. 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,” he 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 event brought together residents, opinion leaders, and supporters to mark five years of community service and development advocacy by the club.
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 DCE, who was the guest speaker, assured residents that President John Dramani Mahama remained committed to upgrading roads across the district.
He said the government recognised the challenges faced by communities such as Pakyi Nos. 1 and 2 and was determined to improve road infrastructure to ease transportation, protect public health, and stimulate economic activities.
He added that the government’s development agenda focused on bringing progress closer to the people through improved infrastructure delivery, economic stabilisation, and effective management of the Ghanaian cedi.
The DCE also highlighted recent interventions by the Amansie West District Assembly, including the evacuation of a refuse dump at Pakyi, which he said had 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.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah / Lydia Kukua Asamoah