By Michael Kofi Kenetey
Residents of the Abesre-Korwhere community in the Upper Manya Krobo District of the Eastern Region have made a passionate appeal to the government to rehabilitate the road leading to their community in order to enhance economic activities. They have also called on District Chief Executive (DCE) Joe Sam to help connect the community to the national grid, granting them access to electricity.
The residents made their appeal during a visit by GBC News Eastern Regional Correspondent, Michael Kofi Kenetey, who sought first-hand information about the community’s challenges.
Abesre-Korwhere, a farming community located three kilometers from Asesewa, has a population of about 1,000. The residents primarily grow crops such as cassava, plantain, cocoyam, yam, banana, and various vegetables. They also produce charcoal in large quantities. However, transporting these goods to the Asesewa market comes at exorbitant costs due to the poor condition of the road.
The community, which is considered a major food supplier in the district and a significant charcoal producer, faces numerous developmental challenges. These include a deteriorated road network, lack of telecommunication services, no electricity, absence of potable water, and the lack of a health facility.
In an interview with GBC News, residents lamented that the poor state of the road has made it difficult and costly to transport their farm produce and charcoal to nearby markets, leading to increased food prices. The Assemblyman for the Abesre-Korwhere Electoral Area, Dennis Teye Angmor, noted that all the communities in his electoral area lack access to electricity, which is stifling economic development. He urged the government and DCE Joe Sam to utilize the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) to rehabilitate the road and boost economic activities.
Residents reiterated that the deplorable road network has contributed to their impoverishment, as they are unable to transport their goods to market. Pupils of the Korwhere Basic School also pointed out that the lack of proper roads and electricity is negatively impacting teaching and learning. The absence of telecommunication services and electricity has discouraged teachers from accepting postings to the community.
The Dademantse of Abesre, Fidelis Naatey, expressed frustration, stating that since the Manya Krobo District was divided into two, no development has been seen in the Upper Manya Krobo District. He called on the government to urgently intervene and alleviate the community’s plight.
