By Frank Kwame Abbor
Ho, June 24, GNA – Residents of Ho West have raised concerns over what they describe as the slow pace of road and bridge infrastructure development in the District, compared with neighbouring Ho Municipality.
Mr Albert Tomi, a citizen advocate in Ho West, popularly known as “Truthful Pen,” speaking on behalf of the residents, said the disparity became evident during a recent trip through Ho Central.
He stated that he deliberately avoided some deteriorated roads in Ho West and instead used the Klave route through Ho Central on his way to Ho.
Mr Tomi observed that many roads within Ho Central were well constructed and fitted with proper drainage systems, enhancing accessibility and road safety.
He said while passing through Shia and later using the Tanyigbe–Lume road on his return journey, he was surprised to find that even roads in relatively remote areas were undergoing construction.
Mr Tomi noted that he also came across a bridge under construction and was informed by a motor rider that the previous structure had collapsed barely six weeks earlier, with reconstruction already underway.
He questioned why similar urgency had not been demonstrated in addressing infrastructure challenges in Ho West, despite the District’s role as a major food basket to the regional capital.
Mr Tomi cited the collapsed bridge between Dzolokpuita and Akome, which reportedly gave way in February this year, saying that little or no substantial intervention had been undertaken months after the incident.
He further mentioned the Dodome–Dzolo Gbogame, Kpedze–Anyirawase, Kpoeta–Kpedze, Vane–Amedzofe, and Akrofu–Bakpe roads as key routes that continue to suffer neglect despite their importance to local development.
Mr Tomi explained that these roads serve as vital links connecting communities to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities, making their rehabilitation critical to improving livelihoods.
“This is not an attack on Ho Central. Development there should be applauded. The question is what Ho Central is doing right and what Ho West is not doing right. Why are major roads and bridges in Ho West left unattended for so long?” he questioned.
He appealed to authorities and relevant stakeholders to prioritise infrastructure development in Ho West, stressing that residents deserved safe, reliable, and timely road networks.
Mr Tomi expressed hope that government and local authorities would take urgent steps to address the challenges and ensure equitable development across the District.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah