Road users and residents of Asafo, a bustling suburb of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, have raised a fresh alarm over a cluster of potholes that have turned the Asafo market junction road into a virtual death trap.
According to them, the hazardous craters have sparked a surge in crashes, with several vehicles sustaining serious damage after unexpectedly hitting the holes.
During a recent visit to the site by a Multimedia Journalist, two of the most dangerous potholes were identified on the main Asafo‑overhead‑to‑Tech junction road.
In a makeshift attempt to warn drivers, bamboo sticks had been inserted into the holes, serving as crude danger signs for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Opinion leader Kofi Sarpong, who has been vocal about the issue, explained that the potholes have been a persistent problem since 2021.
He recalled that even during the tenure of former Kumasi mayor, Sam Pyne, the holes were repaired only to reappear later.
“The holes have existed since 2021. Even when Sam Pyne was in office they were patched, but they broke down again and no one has stepped in to repair them for us,” Sarpong lamented.
He explained that the authorities were alerted as soon as the repaired holes gave way again and were urged to take the needed steps to seal them, yet nothing has been done.
“We have informed the authorities to take the necessary steps to cover these potholes and avoid further crashes, yet nothing has been done,” he said.
Sarpong added that drivers stationed around the area have repeatedly tried to patch the holes, but each time heavy rains wash away the concrete, leaving the road vulnerable again.
“Since our appeals fall on deaf ears, we keep slapping patches on the holes but every time the rain hits, the concrete just washes right out”.
The impact of the deteriorating road surface extends beyond vehicle damage.
Sarpong noted that many cars still hit the potholes, leading to accidents, while pedestrians, especially at night fall into the deep cavities.
The situation has been compounded by some residents and traders dumping rubbish into the holes, creating a foul smell that further blights the area.
In light of the ongoing danger, Sarpong called on the Ashanti Regional Department of Urban Roads and Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to intervene urgently and find a permanent solution to avoid any further crashes.
“We need a permanent solution to these potholes before we witness more crashes and injuries,” he urged, emphasizing that the problem has moved beyond the capacity of local residents to solve on their own.
The community hopes that swift action by the regional authorities will restore safety to the Asafo market junction and prevent further loss of life and property.
Meanwhile, resident Kwabena Kyere also lamented the poor sanitation in the area. He pointed out that some waste‑collectors regularly dump refuse on the roadside at the Asafo‑Overpass, creating a foul smell and health risks.
“The waste collectors often leave the garbage here for three to four days before the KMA sanitation vehicle arrives to collect it. When that happens, you can’t even sit in the area and enjoy fresh air.”
He added that the dumping has serious health consequences, fostering disease‑spreading conditions in the neighborhood.
“When waste sits for three to four days, it attracts flies and bacteria, increasing the risk of illness for everyone around.”
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