Tafo Zongo residents accept losses as new road takes shape

Residents of Tafo Zongo in the Ashanti Region have accepted the loss of their properties to make way for a new road. The project involves clearing a designated road corridor that had remained undeveloped for years, allowing structures like shops, apartment extensions, and other buildings to be erected along the route. The proposed road will span approximately 800 meters. Structures affected include a school and mosques, though the exact number of households impacted is unknown.

Saeed Zakari, whose shop cost him over GH¢20,000 to build, now sees the project as beneficial for the community despite the loss. He believes the new road will improve access, enabling people to patronize local businesses more easily. Mr Zakari anticipates that the improved road will enhance the community's economy, allowing people to visit his shop with ease.

Ibrahim Hussain supports the exercise, noting that vehicles struggle to reach some parts of the Zongo, especially during emergencies. "When you come, a tricycle cannot even come in here, so how much more a car? In case something happens now, we cannot get a road to pass because the place is crowded." Yussif Sumaiya echoes similar sentiments, expressing frustration that some areas behind his home are inaccessible by vehicle.

He also urges young people to refrain from confronting officials during the exercise, emphasizing that the project will ultimately benefit the community.

The Municipal Chief Executive of Old Tafo, Abubakar Sadiq, explains that the exercise is part of broader efforts to improve planning, mobility, and reduce traffic on the Tafo-Mampong road. The Assembly's special planning committee identified encroachments on the community's right of way in certain areas. The Assembly's special planning committee took action to demolish these structures, opening up the area for future road construction.

The demolition involved various agencies, including the military, police, and security forces. Assembly officials have praised residents for their cooperation during the exercise. Some property owners removed their structures before the team arrived, making the process smoother. Sadiq anticipates that the road construction phase will follow, with a projected completion time of six months to one year after the procurement process is finalized.