Residents of Kpando in the Volta Region hit the streets this morning, Friday, November 12, 2021, to protest bad roads in their communities.
Hundreds of residents clad in red and holding placards walked miles amid singing and drumming to bring the attention of authorities to poor roads they say are causing fatal accidents.
Some of the placards read, “Our garden eggs and okros can’t get to the central market because of bad roads. Fix our roads”, “Rest in peace all gone souls. Fix our roads” among others.
Photo credit: Joy News
Motorists also took part in the demonstration that started at the Kpando Torkor main lorry station.
Protestors are expected to deliver a petition to the Municipal Assembly about their plight.
Demonstrations against bad roads are becoming common.
Photo credit: Joy News
Last month, Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis Xavier-Sosu, led residents and motorists in his constituency to protest the deplorable roads in the area.
Portions of major roads in the municipality have been left in a deplorable state for far too long, making life unbearable for residents who must grapple with the intense traffic congestion daily.
The MP complained about the neglect of the Urban Roads Department and the Municipal Assembly regarding the maintenance of roads in Madina.
He said he would welcome any protest by his constituents over the issue.
Meanwhile, Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Atta, has stated that protests and demonstrations will not compel the Ministry to construct roads.
According to him, demonstrations are not the appropriate means of drawing the government's attention to fix roads although citizens have the right to express concerns through demonstrations.
"People of this country anywhere have the right to express concerns over the nature of their roads. If it is an emergency, draw our attention to it. It is our duty to go and help, but do not threaten the government, do not threaten my ministry with demonstrations," he told earlier this week.