Ho, 16 August 2025 — After years of delays and broken promises, major road construction projects in the Volta Region have finally begun, bringing relief to farmers, traders, and residents who have long endured the burden of poor road infrastructure.
Eastern Corridor Roads Underway
The Ministry of Roads and Highways has commenced work on critical stretches of the Eastern Corridor, including the Ho–Kpetoe, Kpetoe–Afiadenyigba, Afiadenyigba–Penyi, and Penyi–Aflao roads. These roads form part of the strategic trade route linking the Volta Region to Togo, and ultimately to West Africa’s wider market.
For decades, poor roads in these areas have crippled economic activity. Farmers often lost perishable goods while transporting them to markets in Ho, Accra, and Aflao. Now, with construction teams actively working, locals are hopeful that change has finally arrived.
Regional Minister Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa reaffirmed government’s commitment:
“The people of Volta Region deserve safe, motorable roads. These projects are not just infrastructure — they are lifelines for trade, farming, and daily living.”
The Abutia–Juapong Road: A Long-Awaited Fix
Another project gaining attention is the Abutia–Juapong road, originally awarded in 2016 but left incomplete. Its poor condition has made transportation between farming communities extremely difficult. The Regional Minister recently pledged that the abandoned project will be completed this year, signaling a renewed effort to tackle long-neglected roads.
Farmers’ Voices: A Future Without Dust and Losses
For farmers like Kwame Dovlo, who cultivates maize near Afiadenyigba, the construction brings hope:
“Every market season, we lose half of our produce on the road before we reach Ho. If the roads improve, it means more income for our families and more food for the towns.”
Transport operators have echoed similar concerns. Years of vehicle breakdowns due to potholes and rough terrain have driven up costs for drivers and passengers alike. The prospect of smooth roads is being welcomed as both an economic and social relief.
Wider Impact on the Volta Economy
Beyond farming, improved road networks are expected to stimulate tourism in the region. Attractions such as Wli Waterfalls, Afadjato Mountain, and the beaches of Keta have long suffered from accessibility challenges. Officials believe that better roads will boost visitor numbers and increase revenue for local businesses.
Economists also note that completing these corridors will enhance Ghana’s trade competitiveness, especially with Aflao serving as a gateway for cross-border trade with Togo and beyond.
What’s Next?
The government has earmarked GH¢13.8 billion for road projects nationwide, with the Volta Region featuring prominently in the 2025 budget. Key among these is the Ho–Denu road upgrade, expected to ease both domestic and cross-border travel.
While optimism is high, many residents remain cautious. Communities have heard similar promises before. What they demand now is not just groundbreaking ceremonies, but completed, durable roads that transform their lives.
For the people of Volta Region, the true test will be whether this wave of construction leads to lasting change or becomes another unfinished chapter in the struggle for development.