Traditional authorities in three communities in the Ho municipality of the Volta region are threatening to ban all political activities in their areas if the deplorable road linking the areas to Ho, the regional capital is not fixed.
The paramount Chiefs of Takla, Hodzo and Kpenoe traditional areas at a press conference at Kpenoe on Tuesday expressed disappointment over the failure of government to tar the less than 20km road from the Volta barrack in Ho to the predominantly farming communities, despite the numerous promises.
Speaking on behalf of the two other Chiefs, Togbe Kotoku XI, paramount chief of Kpenoe issued a 2-week ultimatum to the relevant authorities to commence work on the road, else the road will be blocked to prevent any politician from coming to campaign in the communities.
“Tension is gradually mounting among our young people over the neglect of our road, whilst some other roads in the municipality are being fixed with enthusiasm ahead of the December polls. We feel so isolated and can’t tell if we are also part of the changing lives, transforming Ghana agenda of the government,” Togbe stated.
He went on to appeal to the authorities amidst warning that, “we’re praying that some work start on our road in two weeks, if not, we will block the road and declare three month of communal labour to fix it and during this period, we will ban any political activity in the traditional areas.”
The Chiefs action, comes on the back of a massive demonstration staged last month in Ho by some 500 residents from the three traditional areas over the seemingly inaction on the part of the municipal assembly and Member of Parliament to get the road fixed.
They also threatened to boycott the upcoming elections should construction not start on the road, which they described as a death trap, with the onset of the rains.
The situation has rendered the road unmotorable with the few vehicles plying the route, charging exorbitant fare, as expectant mothers also struggle to access health care in the regional capital.
