Residents of Breman Esiam in the Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam District of the Central Region have voiced their frustration over stalled road construction that has left their only paved road in disrepair.

Although the road was earmarked for an upgrade to asphalt, work has halted for several months due to the extraction of heavy rocks from the Assin Manso area.

Three Assembly Members in the Breman Esiam Electoral Area joined residents in a demonstration, calling on the government to ensure that contractors return to the site and complete the road before the December 7, 2024, elections.

Demonstrators expressed health and lifestyle concerns, citing asthma complications and the challenge of dealing with heavy dust, which has forced many to avoid wearing white clothes while travelling on the road.

Residents expressed their disappointment, accusing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government of neglecting them, despite Breman Esiam being a stronghold for the party.

They demanded the immediate restoration of the road connecting Breman Fawomanye to Ajumako through Breman Esiam, and criticized the silence of Odeefuo Afankwa III, Chief of Breman Esiam Traditional Area and a member of the Council of State, on the issue.

Receiving the residents’ petition, District Chief Executive Rev. Emmanuel Ransford Kwesi Nyarko labelled the protest as politically motivated, saying it lacked good faith.

He attributed the construction delays to the ongoing excavation of large rocks needed for the Kasoa-Winneba highway project, which he claimed must be completed before road work can continue in Breman Esiam to avoid premature damage from heavy vehicles.

Mr Nyarko added that he has held multiple discussions with local stakeholders, including Assembly Members, to update them on the situation, and expressed surprise at the demonstration.

After receiving the petition, he led journalists to Assin Manso to show the continued work on the road section, countering claims that contractors had abandoned the site.