Kpenoe, Takla and Hodzo chiefs petition government over stalled road projects

The Traditional Authorities of Kpenoe, Takla and Hodzo in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region have petitioned the Minister for Roads and Highways, the Member of Parliament for Ho Central and the Municipal Chief Executive, demanding the immediate resumption and completion of the stalled Kpenoe–Takla–Hodzo road project.

In a joint petition submitted on behalf of residents of the three communities, the chiefs expressed concern over the prolonged delay in the construction works, which they said had left residents frustrated after initially raising hopes of improved transportation, economic opportunities and access to essential social services.

They said the road serves as a major route for farmers, traders, students, motorists and other residents in the three communities and neighbouring areas, making its poor condition a significant challenge to their daily activities.

According to the traditional authorities, farmers and traders are struggling to transport goods to markets, while business operators are facing difficulties moving between the communities. They warned that the situation was worsening economic hardship and limiting commercial activities.

The chiefs also highlighted the impact on education, saying students and teachers were experiencing difficulties commuting to and from school. They further raised concerns about access to healthcare facilities, particularly during emergencies, and the safety risks posed by the unfinished road to motorists and pedestrians.

Among their demands are the immediate resumption of construction, an official explanation for the delay and full disclosure of the project's current status, including its funding arrangements and the contractor's obligations.

They also called for a clear and realistic completion schedule, the provision of adequate financial and logistical resources, and regular engagement with stakeholders. Pending the completion of the project, the chiefs want temporary measures introduced to make the road safer and more accessible.

Speaking on behalf of the chiefs, the Paramount Chief of Takla, Togbe Atim Adzokoto II, appealed to the MCE to ensure that the road was at least made motorable while arrangements were being made for the contractor to resume the major construction works.

He urged the MCE to expedite efforts towards the project's completion and proposed a town hall meeting in the three communities to update residents on the government's plans and explain the steps being taken.

Togbe Atim Adzokoto II also commended the MCE for his responsiveness and willingness to engage with the traditional authorities, particularly for consistently answering and returning their calls.

Receiving the petition, the Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Stephen Adom, assured the chiefs that the contractor was expected to return to site the following week to continue work and complete the project.

He said engaging the traditional authorities was important to ensure that they understood the circumstances surrounding the delay and the steps being taken to resolve the challenges.

Mr Adom explained that the road project was among those the President wanted completed, describing it as an important government undertaking that required proper coordination between the Assembly and the relevant agencies.

He said the contractor had initially mobilised to site and commenced work on the expectation that the Assembly would complete the necessary administrative preparations to enable the project to proceed.

However, he disclosed that the Ministry of Finance had directed that all ongoing projects across the country must obtain a Commitment Authorisation before proceeding through the procurement process.

According to him, the absence of the required authorisation meant the project could not properly advance through the procurement procedures, as the necessary processes had not been completed before the contract was awarded.

The MCE stressed that the delay was not due to the contractor's inability or unwillingness to execute the project, explaining that the contractor wanted assurance that the government would meet its financial obligations once the work was completed.

He said he had previously appealed to the contractor to return to site, but the contractor was reluctant to do so without the required financial authorisation.

Mr Adom disclosed that the Commitment Authorisation was eventually secured last week, allowing the contractor's documents to proceed through the procurement process.

He explained that although the contractor was expected to return to site last week, additional mobilisation arrangements were necessary to ensure that work could continue without another interruption.

The MCE said he had spoken with the contractor the previous day and also contacted one of his workers on the morning of the engagement. Both discussions, he said, indicated that the construction team would return the following week to undertake filling and surfacing works.

He added that he had also engaged the Director in charge of Feeder Roads in Accra and the Chief Director of the Ministry of Roads to ensure that the necessary arrangements were made for the project to resume and be completed.

Mr Adom maintained that the government could not afford to delay development projects intended to improve the lives of residents, stressing that the Assembly was under pressure to ensure the road was completed within the current administration's tenure.

He explained that although the project should ordinarily have gone through all the required procedures before the contractor began work, waiting for the full process could have pushed the commencement of construction to 2027.

He warned that such a delay could result in the project extending into 2029 if the necessary funding was not made available before 2028, making it important for local authorities to push for its timely execution.

The MCE also directed the Assembly Member to organise a public sensitisation programme for residents of the three communities, beginning at Henry House the following week, with the traditional authorities expected to participate.

He urged the chiefs to continue supporting the Assembly's development efforts, saying the municipality was undertaking several initiatives to improve infrastructure and service delivery.

The road project is being undertaken by Gartens Construction Firm along the Kpenoe–Hodzo–Takla corridor.

The traditional authorities maintained that improving infrastructure in their communities was a shared responsibility requiring transparency, accountability and commitment from all stakeholders.

They stressed that the road was more than an infrastructure project, describing it as essential to the livelihoods, welfare and future development prospects of residents.

The chiefs appealed to the authorities to treat their petition with urgency, provide a formal response and grant them an opportunity for further engagement. They said residents had waited patiently for the project and were now expecting concrete action rather than further delays and unfulfilled assurances.