By Mike Dewornuu
The Greater Accra Regional Minister and the Member of Parliament for Shai Osudoku, Madam Linda Ocloo, have urged contractors working on the Asutsuare-Volivo-Aveyime road to expedite the compensation process for more than 200 farmers who have had their farms destroyed due to the ongoing construction work. The road, which is part of the Eastern Corridor Roads Development Project, is expected to enhance connectivity and improve access. However, delays in compensation for the affected farmers have raised concerns.
The 23.9-kilometre Asutsuare-Volivo-Aveyim road is a critical component of the Eastern Corridor Roads Development Project, aimed at improving transportation and boosting economic activities in the region. The $53 million project, funded by the African Development Bank, commenced in December last year, with China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation Company as the main contractor. The road, once completed, will significantly reduce travel time for residents and enhance access to markets.
However, the construction has come at a cost, as over 200 farmers have lost their farmlands to the project. While the contractors report that 71 farmers have been compensated so far, many more are yet to receive their due payments. During a visit to the project site, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, who double as Shai Osudoku MP Linda Ocloo, commended the progress of work but urged contractors to speed up compensation payments. She emphasized that the livelihood of many residents depends on farming, and any delays in compensation could have a severe impact on them.
The consultant overseeing the project Mr. Samuel Bedu Affel briefed the minister on the scope of work, highlighting that the road project includes auxiliary developments such as schools, markets, and other social interventions aimed at improving the lives of the people.
Meanwhile, some affected farmers who spoke to GBC News expressed their support for the project, acknowledging its benefits in terms of accessibility and economic growth. However, they appealed for timely compensation to enable them to rebuild their livelihoods.
The road project is expected to be completed within 24 months. For now, the affected farmers remain hopeful that their compensation will be settled soon, allowing them to move forward while the region looks ahead to improved infrastructure and economic opportunities.
