The Ofankor-Pokuasi-Nsawam Highway was once a vital transportation artery for the local economy. However, as court battles and delayed government payments have extended the highway reconstruction by two years, surrounding communities have faced a range of problems.
Chief among them is their health. Experts warn that the delayed project has become a major health hazard for three hundred thousand residents in the area.
Experts tell JoyNews that it is contributing to a dramatic rise in a range of illnesses from asthma to heart disease and cancer.
Naomi Lokko has been selling rice and stew here along the Sapieman road on the Ofankor-Pokuasi road since 2003.
For years, the 48-year-old has been exposed to thick dust from the busy road, often returning home covered in a layer of grime.
This year in July, her persistent cough worsened into severe chest pains, difficulty in breathing, and a high fever. Doctors at the nearby Ghanaian-Germany Hospital diagnosed her with severe pneumonia.
“I thought I was going to lose my life. The dust is suffocating. I never knew it could be this bad.”
Naomi says her health crisis has left her unable to work. With no savings to fall back on, her casual labourer husband has taken on extra jobs to make ends meet. It’s barely enough to cover the cost of her treatment, let alone support their children.
Naomi fears for their future. “If I don’t sell, who will feed my children?” She’s considering returning to the dusty roadside, despite her doctor’s warnings.
Naomi is just one of three hundred thousand residents suffering as the 350 million dollar project to reconstruct the road continues more than a year after it was promised to finish. Work on the road is finally picking up again.
The Ghanaian-owned contractor Maripoma had slowed work after the government fell behind on payments. Officials say all arrears have been cleared, and the contractor is back on site under closer government supervision.
The project is now part of the “Big Push” initiative, with a completion deadline of June 2026 and a warning from the president that there can be no more delays. For the people here, the delay has brought serious health consequences.
Many traders and workers along the Ofankor-Pokuasi road have fallen ill. Medical experts are now sounding the alarm. GA West Municipal Hospital pediatrician Dr. TierenyeDono says air pollution-related illnesses have risen dramatically in the area since the roadwork began.
Dr. Dono said, “We’ve recorded a 70% increase in pneumonia, hypertension, and asthma cases in 2024 compared to 2023. The hospital has seen a significant surge in patients with respiratory problems.
Health experts say dust from unpaved roads can include a range of particles.
“Some can penetrate the lungs and respiratory system, causing illnesses like asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Some can also get into the eyes, impacting eyesight.”
University of Ghana Public Health expert Dr. Reginald Quansah says the most dangerous, known by their size, PM 2.5 – gets into a victim’s blood, causing illnesses including heart disease, stroke, infertility, and cancer.
Dr Quansah stated, “Fine particles, known as PM2.5, can penetrate deep into your lungs, causing inflammation and triggering asthma attacks. These tiny particles can exacerbate respiratory problems and have serious health implications”.
A public health nurse at the Amamorley Clinic in Ablekuma, GA West, Dorcas Effah Agyeiwaa, also said that “Inhaling dust particles can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including cancer and kidney damage when it enters the bloodstream.”
All the doctors are urging the government to force the project to be fast-tracked. They are urging the public to protect themselves by wearing nose masks.
“It’s crucial that we take action to protect public health,” Ms Agyeiwaa said.
A resident of the area, Kwasi Boadi, has also struggled with the dusty road. He spends most of his days working in his small provision shop, surrounded by the thick dust kicked up by passing vehicles. The dust is relentless, covering every surface in a fine layer that Kwasi breathes in with every breath.
“The dust gets into my lungs, and it’s hard for me to breathe. My Chest always feels tight, and I get constant coughs.”
Kwasi says he feels trapped. His livelihood depends on his shop, and he can’t afford to leave. “Where would I go?” he asks. “This is my home, and I have to make a living. I just wish the dust would settle.”
Project Director with Maripoma Ing. Asare Awuku acknowledges the danger.
“It is our responsibility as contractors to sprinkle water on the dusty road every day. We have to water it in the morning, afternoon, and evening, and we call it everyday maintenance. We have water tankers available so we are on top of that.”
The Environmental Protection Agency has called on Maripoma to speed the project as fast as possible.
Deputy CEO of EPA, Prof. Michael Ayamga-Adongo: We call on the contractor to prioritize public safety. A comprehensive review will be conducted to ensure strict adherence to regulations.
The road is just one of the many sources of air pollution plaguing residents. As Accra’s population grows rapidly experts say air pollution is rising toalarming levels. Vehicle emissions, burning of waste and cooking are the biggest contributors.
Air pollution has been strongly linked to many chronic diseases that are rising in the city according to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.
In the two years to 2023, hypertension was the fifth highest cause of death in Accra, claiming 200 lives. Nearly forty thousand cases were reported. Asthma and cardiac cases also increased. Dr. Abena Okoh is the Metropolitan Director of Health Services, Accra Metropolitan Assembly.
The statistics are clear: environmental pollution is taking a toll on the health of Accra’s residents. It’s time for action to address the root causes of these diseases and protect the health of our communities.
As the roadwork continues, residents of Ofankor-Pokuasi, including Naomi and Kwasi, are paying the price with their health.
Experts warn residents here and in all heavily polluted areas of the country to do what they can to protect themselves: Seal their homes and vehicles, avoid burning waste, and above all, wear a nose mask.
- President Commissions 36.5 Million Dollars Hospital In The Tain District
- You Will Not Go Free For Killing An Hard Working MP – Akufo-Addo To MP’s Killer
- I Will Lead You To Victory – Ato Forson Assures NDC Supporters
Visit Our Social Media for More
About Author
