The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie West in the Ashanti Region, Prince Manu Morrison, has attributed the long-standing delays in the construction of roads within the Manso enclave to the activities of illegal miners.
According to the DCE, many contractors have over the years been reluctant to accept road construction contracts in the area due to fears of attacks and interference from illegal miners.
He explained that the situation has significantly contributed to the deplorable state of roads in the Manso enclave, with several projects either delayed or abandoned.
Speaking to Adom News, Mr. Morrison disclosed that contractors he had engaged cited security concerns as the main reason for rejecting road construction contracts in the area.
“Most of the contractors told us they were afraid of being attacked and obstructed by illegal miners while working on the roads. That is why many of them refused to take up the contracts,” he said.
He, however, noted that the government’s intensified crackdown on illegal mining has restored confidence among contractors, paving the way for road construction works to commence.
According to him, construction works have already begun on sections of the road from Anwiankwanta towards the Manso enclave, with more contractors now willing to undertake projects in the area.
Mr. Morrison further revealed that roads within the Manso enclave have been captured under the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme and assured residents that they would soon be upgraded to asphalt standard to improve transportation and boost economic activities.
Some residents of Manso who spoke to Adom News welcomed the government’s renewed commitment to improving the road network, describing it as a major relief after years of poor road conditions.
They, however, appealed to the government and contractors to expedite work and ensure the projects are completed on schedule.
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