Kadjebi, Oti Region – Residents of Awudome Kofe, Aziage Kofe, Kpando Kofe, and surrounding communities in the Kadjebi District have called on the government and the Kadjebi District Assembly to urgently rehabilitate the Awudome Kofe–Agortime Kofe road, describing it as virtually impassable and a serious threat to their livelihoods and well-being.
According to the residents, the road network stretching from Okanta through Awudome Kofe, Aziage Kofe, and Kpando Kofe to Agortime Kofe has deteriorated to a level that severely hampers economic activities and access to essential services. During a visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Thursday, farmers and residents recounted the numerous challenges they face, including difficulties in transporting farm produce, high transportation costs, and limited access to healthcare facilities.
Mr Robert Aziage, a farmer from Aziage Kofe, lamented that the poor road conditions had caused significant post-harvest losses. “I recently harvested several baskets of oranges, but because vehicles could not reach my farm, I couldn’t send them to the market on time. Most of the fruits got rotten on the farm. This has been our problem every harvest season,” he explained, urging the Kadjebi District Assembly to grade and reshape the road immediately.
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Madam Fuseina Mohammed, a resident of Awudome Kofe, described the road as a “death trap,” particularly for pregnant women and the sick who require urgent transport to healthcare facilities. “Sometimes, pregnant women in labour die before getting to the hospital because the road is too rough and vehicles get stuck in the mud or break down. We are really suffering here,” she said.
Drivers and traders also expressed frustration, noting that commercial transport operators frequently refuse to ply the route due to its poor condition, forcing residents to walk long distances to reach the nearest accessible point.
Mr Kpeguni Abdul Razak, Assemblyman for the Okanta Electoral Area, confirmed to the GNA that he and community leaders had raised the issue with the Kadjebi District Chief Executive (DCE), who assured them that the road would be rehabilitated once the rains subside. “The DCE told us that the road is very dear to his heart because it serves as a vital link between Ghana and neighbouring Togo. He promised to prioritise it in the next phase of road maintenance projects,” Mr Razak stated, commending residents for their patience and urging continued cooperation with the authorities.
Despite these assurances, residents appealed to the government, the Department of Feeder Roads, and development partners to intervene urgently, emphasising that a functional road network would enhance trade, improve access to social services, and reduce poverty in the area.
