Residents along the Adentan-Dodowa road in Accra have been living in a nightmare of dust and pollution since 2024. The Adentan-Dodowa dual carriageway, a major infrastructure project, was supposed to ease traffic congestion and improve road safety, but it has stalled, leaving thousands of people exposed to health risks.
A Stalled Project Spells Disaster
The 22-kilometre road project was awarded to Ghanaian company Oswal Investments in March 2024 under a 36-month agreement. However, the project has been plagued by delays, with the contractor citing missed government payments as the main cause. Inspecting the project a year later, Kwame Agbodza, Minister for Roads and Highways, conceded that the project had stalled, blaming the previous government's failure to make agreed payments.
Health Consequences of Delays
The dust from the construction site has had severe health consequences for residents. Mary Adjiele, a 50-year-old resident, says three of her grandchildren have developed severe coughs accompanied by high fevers since the work began. Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to dust particles is dangerous, as it can increase the risk of chronic illnesses, including kidney and heart diseases, diabetes, and cancer.
A Community in Crisis
The community is in crisis, with many residents struggling to cope with the health impacts of the delayed project. A spare-parts dealer operating along the road says the thick dust has made every working day a health challenge. Concerned about his wife's worsening asthma and persistent coughing, he has asked her to stop assisting him at the shop. Provision shop owner Serwaa Ansah Opoku says the dust has left her battling constant illness, with her clothes turning brown from the dust.
Traditional Leaders Weigh In
Traditional leaders are equally worried about the health impacts of the delayed project. Chief Adjie Kwashie, Linguist of Adenta Frafraha, said asthma cases within the community are increasing, with many residents complaining of worsening respiratory conditions. The traditional palace has been suspended because of the unhealthy environment.
What's Next for the Project?
The project's future remains uncertain, with no clear timeline for completion. Gabriel Foli, project manager for Oswal Investments, assured the public that the project was two-thirds complete and on track to be finished by March 2027. However, with the health impacts of the delayed project already being felt, residents are left wondering when they will see the project completed and their lives returned to normal.
Source: Joy Online
