The Big Push Agenda and the Aflao–Dzodze–Ho Highway.

There are moments in the history of a community when the power of citizens’ voices becomes unmistakably evident. The story of the Aflao–Dzodze–Ho highway is one such moment. For years, residents of Dzodze and surrounding communities endured the deplorable condition of this critical road, appealing to successive governments to prioritise its rehabilitation. Today, as the government undertakes major road infrastructure projects under the Big Push Agenda, it is important to reflect on our advocacy, acknowledge the response, and appreciate the progress being made.

On February 12, 2024, we, a group of concerned residents of Dzodze, made our voices heard through a public statement published by various media houses. We called on the government, the NDC and the NPP to put politics aside and prioritise the urgent repair of the Aflao–Dzodze–Ho highway.

Our message was simple: Drop the politics and fix the road.

The road was not for the NDC. It was not for the NPP. It was for the people.

It was for our farmers, traders, students, drivers, businesses and the countless families whose daily lives depended on it.

For many of us, the road had existed in a terrible state for as long as we could remember. Governments came and went, political promises were made, yet the people continued to suffer. Transportation became difficult and dangerous, economic activities were disrupted, and the poor condition of the road exposed motorists to unnecessary risks.

We believed then, as we believe now, that good roads are not political favours. They are essential public infrastructure and a legitimate development need.

Our advocacy was therefore not partisan. It was an expression of civic responsibility.

When citizens speak, leadership must listen.

Today, the introduction of the Big Push Agenda by the current NDC government presents an important opportunity to address longstanding infrastructure deficits across the country. The people of the Volta Region, like many other regions, are benefiting from this major road development initiative.

This development reinforces an important democratic lesson: when citizens raise legitimate concerns, their voices can influence public policy and inspire meaningful action.

Special recognition goes to the six petitioners who championed the call for the rehabilitation of the Aflao–Dzodze–Ho highway:

* Evans Mawunyo Tsikata — Lead Petitioner

* King Nobert Akpablie
* Shalom Gbemu
* Godwin Adzigbli
* Jacob Freeman Ohene
* Hope Nyonyo
Their collective advocacy transcended partisan politics and focused on the safety, welfare and development of the people. Today, as progress is made under the Big Push Agenda, we are reminded that citizens' voices matter. We cried, and the NDC government listened. Their efforts were not in vain.

It is therefore only fair that we acknowledge the government for responding to the longstanding concerns of communities whose roads had suffered years of neglect.

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza, and the government deserve commendation for the initiative and the efforts being made to improve road infrastructure.

However, commendation must go beyond political leadership. The contractors responsible for executing these projects also deserve recognition where their performance demonstrates professionalism, commitment and efficiency.

The ongoing road construction from Tokor through Wudoaba, Penyi and Dzodze is particularly encouraging. The contractor handling this project has demonstrated commendable progress and deserves appreciation for the work being done.

These achievements remind us that good work must be recognised, irrespective of political affiliation.

If we criticise when things go wrong, we must also praise when things go right.

My appeal to the government is that contractors who demonstrate efficiency, professionalism and a commitment to quality should be encouraged and given further opportunities where appropriate.

Conversely, contractors who perform poorly, fail to meet reasonable timelines or compromise quality should be promptly evaluated and, where necessary, replaced.

The Big Push Agenda is a laudable initiative. Its success, however, will depend not only on the vision of the government but also on the competence of contractors, effective supervision and accountability.

Ultimately, the people must remain the beneficiaries of every public investment.

Our experience teaches us that citizens must never underestimate the power of their voices. We cried, and the NDC government listened.

Now, as we witness progress, let us continue to speak when things go wrong and commend when things go right.

Development is not the achievement of a political party alone. It is the collective aspiration of a people, made possible when citizens speak, leadership listens, and those entrusted with public responsibility deliver.

The road belongs to the people. The credit for its progress must be shared by all who make it possible.