In a ceremony brimming with hope and anticipation, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, alongside the Member of Parliament for Yilo Krobo, Albert Tetteh Nyarkotey, has officially cut the sod for the long-awaited construction of the Somanya–Dodowa Road and a network of inner roads within the Somanya township.
The event, held on Monday, September 7, 2026, marks a significant turning point for a municipality whose road network has been described by regional authorities as “deplorable” and a major obstacle to economic growth. The projects are expected to not only ease daily commutes but also unlock the agricultural and commercial potential of the Yilo Krobo Municipality and its adjoining communities.
A Promise Fulfilled
For the MP for Yilo Krobo, Albert Tetteh Nyarkotey, the groundbreaking was a moment of personal and political vindication. Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, he recalled the 2024 election campaign, during which he made a solemn pledge to the electorate.
“During the campaign, I promised you that if given the mandate, I would lobby tirelessly for the construction of these deplorable roads to bring relief to our people,” Nyarkotey said. “Today, I am proud to stand before you to say that promise is now being fulfilled. This is not just asphalt and gravel; this is a commitment to your livelihoods, your safety, and the future of our children.”
The MP’s words were met with cheers from residents who have endured years of dusty, potholed roads that become impassable during the rainy season, cutting off farming communities from the Somanya market.
“No Room for Shoddy Work”
Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Ampem Nyarko, who performed the groundbreaking on behalf of the government, issued a stern directive to the contractors tasked with the project. He cautioned against cutting corners, stressing that the government’s “Big Push” policy is designed to ensure quality and timely payment.
“I want to be very clear with the contractors here today: there is no room for shoddy work. Under the government’s Big Push policy, contractors are paid promptly, within three months of submitting their certificates,” Ampem Nyarko stated. “We have removed the excuse of non-payment. Therefore, we expect nothing less than quality workmanship, delivered on schedule.”
He added a crucial caveat for the residents, empowering them to take ownership of the project’s oversight.
“I urge all residents to actively monitor the progress of work. You have the right to question the contractor whenever the quality of work falls below the required standards. These roads belong to you, and you must ensure they are built to last,” he said.
The Deputy Minister further assured the gathering that the Ministry of Finance would release funds promptly to guarantee the smooth and timely execution of the projects, warning that the government will not tolerate delays.
“A Fair Share of the National Cake”
The Municipal Chief Executive for Yilo Krobo, Francis Akumatey, expressed profound gratitude to the government and the region’s sons and daughters in high office, whose influence has helped steer development projects toward the area.
“We are fortunate to have several of our own citizens serving in government, and their presence has been instrumental in lobbying for these projects. Slowly but surely, Yilo Krobo is receiving its fair share of the national development agenda,” Akumatey said.
He noted that the inner roads, in particular, would transform the face of Somanya, making the municipality more attractive for businesses and investments.
Regional Minister: “A Catalyst for Change”
Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, did not mince words about the current state of the municipality’s roads, describing them as “deplorable” and a significant barrier to development.
“Most of the road networks in the Yilo Krobo Municipality have been in a deplorable condition for far too long. This has hindered transportation, made it difficult for farmers to bring their produce to market, and discouraged potential investors,” Awatey stated.
She praised the Presidential Advisor on the Economy, Seth Terkper, for his strategic role in ensuring that the municipality benefited from these significant development projects.
The Regional Minister expressed strong confidence that the completion of the roads would be a catalyst for change.
“The completion of these road projects will not only improve transportation but will also boost agricultural activities, stimulate commerce, and create jobs for the youth. This is a game-changer for the municipality and the entire Eastern Region,” she added.
Traditional Authority Pledges Support
The Paramount Chief of the Yilo Krobo Traditional Area, Oklepeme Nuer Anorbah Sasraku, used the occasion to offer the traditional authority’s unflinching support for the project.
“We, the traditional leaders of Yilo Krobo, are fully committed to supporting the Member of Parliament and the contractor to ensure the successful completion of these projects,” the Chief said. “We call for continued collaboration between traditional authorities and government to accelerate development in our area. When government works with the people, there is nothing we cannot achieve.”
Background: A Community Struggling with Bad Roads
The Yilo Krobo Municipality is primarily agrarian, known for its production of maize, vegetables, and fruits. However, the state of its road network has been a chronic headache. The Somanya–Dodowa Road, a key artery connecting the municipality to the coastal towns of the Greater Accra Region, has been in a state of disrepair for years. During the rainy season, the road often becomes virtually impassable, causing significant losses for farmers and traders who rely on it to transport perishable goods.
The inner roads of Somanya, the municipal capital, have fared no better. Many are unpaved, turning into mud pits during rains and dust bowls during the dry season. The deplorable conditions have been blamed for increased vehicle maintenance costs, traffic congestion, and a rise in accidents, particularly involving motorcyclists.
The new projects, which are being funded through a combination of the District Assemblies Common Fund and government’s Big Push programme, are expected to provide a lasting solution to these challenges.
Community Hopes for the Future
As the sod was turned, residents who had gathered in their numbers expressed cautious optimism. Many recalled past promises that were left unfulfilled, but the presence of high-ranking government officials and the tangible sight of construction equipment and materials gave them new hope.
“We have been suffering for a long time. Every time we travel to Accra, we are forced to use terrible roads. It is our hope that this time, the road will actually be completed,” said one resident, Kwame Asante, a trader.
Another resident, Mary Tetteh, a farmer, added, “If they complete the inner roads, it will help us a lot. We won’t have to struggle to get to the market. We are praying that the government honors its word.”
The groundbreaking ceremony has set the stage for a transformative period in the Yilo Krobo Municipality. With firm promises of timely funding, community oversight, and traditional support, the hope is that the Somanya–Dodowa Road and the inner roads will be completed on schedule, delivering lasting benefits to communities across the municipality and the wider Eastern Region.
This story was written with additional background and context for publication.
