By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu, GNA
Ashiata (VR), Jan 30, GNA-The youths of Tegbi Ashiata Electoral Area, in the Anloga district of the Volta Region, have engaged in community road patching activities to prevent unwanted accidents in the area.
The road, which had been plagued by deep potholes, received a much-needed facelift, through the collective efforts of the Assembly Member, Unit Committees, and youths in the area.
Mr Ephraim Dodzi Jumpah, the Assembly Member of the area, told the Ghana News Agency, in an interview that the initiative, which began with weeding and later progressed to patching heavy potholes, was a response to the growing concerns of residents and users of the road.
“This Ashiata road is a vital link; it serves several schools, including Babiland Montessori School, Shalom Shalom School, and Tegbi Ashiata Basic School, as well as the Ashiata Ocean View Hotel, and its current state is a worrying situation,” he said.
He explained that the condition of the road had become a safety hazard, with frequent unnecessary accidents occurring very often and with the combined efforts of the community with the road now safer and more accessible.
He said that the activities were community-driven initiative which have been hailed as a model for others to follow while involvement of local stakeholders, including schools and businesses, demonstrated the power of collective action in driving positive change.
“We came together in one spirit to patch the potholes and make the road better; we need support from individuals and organisation to help us to do beyond our limit. We need to do our portion for the government to do the rest.”
Mr Jumpah said Ashiata Ocean View Hotels, among other companies located on the road, have expressed their appreciation for the efforts made so far to improve the road which were expected to boost their business and make it easier for our customers to access their hotels as well as enabling other motorists with easy movement.
He said the Tegbi Ashiata Basic School has also welcomed the improvements, stating that it would enhance the safety of students and teachers, adding that, “We have had concerns about the road condition, especially during the rainy season.”
He said that the activities have been praised by other community members with residents praising the collaboration of the Unit Committees for taking the initiative.
The Assembly Member has further called on residents to prioritise communal labour and work together to address some pressing challenges within the area and charged that communities should not soly rely on government alone but must take initiative and drive their own development.
Mr Mawuko Selasi Dzidedi, a resident of Ashiata, said that the success of the initiative has sparked hopes for more community-driven projects in the area and urged others to join hands together to fix a road.
He mentioned that the Ashiata road repair project served as a testament to the power of community spirit and collective action and stated that the community is hopeful that the improved road would have a positive impact on the local economy and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
The initiative has set a positive tone for the area, which demonstrated that with determination and collective effort, anything is possible.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade