Residents appeal for rehabilitation of Okuma-Debume road in Krachi West Municipality
Residents of Okuma – Debume, a fishing community in the Krachi West Municipality of the Oti Region, have appealed to the Government and relevant authorities to rehabilitate the Okuma-Debume road to facilitate transportation and enhance economic activities in the area.
The road, which serves as a major link between Okuma and Debume, is in a deplorable condition, with deep gullies, muddy and waterlogged sections that become nearly impassable during the rainy season.
Mr Alfred Gakpetor, a 61-year-old resident of Okuma, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the poor state of the road was adversely affecting the movement of people and goods, particularly fishers who depend on the route to transport their catch to market centres.
He said fishing and farming remained the main sources of livelihood for residents, but the deteriorated road network had led to increased transportation costs, delays and post-harvest losses.
According to Mr Gakpetor, residents often have to carry goods on their heads over long distances due to the inaccessibility of the road, while vehicles frequently get stuck for hours, disrupting travel and commercial activities.
He noted that the situation also hindered access to healthcare, education, and other essential social services, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
Mr Gakpetor appealed to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Krachi West Municipal Assembly and the Department of Feeder Roads to urgently reshape and gravel the road to improve accessibility and support local economic development.
Other residents who spoke to the GNA echoed his concerns, stating that the road had deteriorated steadily over the years without any major rehabilitation works.
They expressed hope that a timely intervention by the authorities would improve transportation, stimulate economic activities, and enhance the living conditions of people in the affected communities.