Teshie Residents Protest over Deplorable State of Roads
The Concerned Youth of Teshie, a local group, took to the streets to express their frustration over the deplorable state of roads in their community.
The residents, including members of various sub-groups such as residents associations, keep fit clubs, driver unions, and concerned citizens association, gathered at the Adjorman roundabout as early as 6 a.m. to embark on a peaceful protest that lasted for six hours.
Donning red T-shirts and carrying placards with powerful messages, the protesters demanded immediate action to address the dire condition of the roads. Some of the placards read: “We’re suffering in the land of our birth, fix our roads,” “We pay property rate and taxes, fix our road,” “We are citizens, not spectators,” and “Our women are getting miscarriages because of the bad roads.”
The demonstrators marched through the streets, highlighting the deep potholes and deterioration of the roads, which have gone unrepaired for years.
Market women and other workers within the community joined the protest, causing a temporary halt in commercial activities. The demonstration remained peaceful, without any violent acts such as stone-throwing or tire burning. The police presence was minimal, as they leisurely walked alongside the protesters.
The protest resulted in a traffic jam on the main Teshie-Tema road when the demonstrators joined the road from the Teshie Tsuibleoo (Mobil) junction.
However, in a surprising turn of events, contractors were observed asphalting the road linking the Adjorman road and the LEKMA Hospital as early as 5 a.m. The Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly had announced the immediate commencement of rehabilitation works on some roads in the community, possibly in response to the protest.
Several residents shared their hardships caused by the dilapidated roads. Atta Osa, a protester, mentioned the burden of double transport fares due to the poor road conditions.
“I had to park my car because frequent repairs became unaffordable,” said Nii Armah, a resident.
During the protest, a petition was presented to the Municipal Chief Executive, Mordecai Quarshie, and Member of Parliament, Benjamin Narteh Ayiku.
E. A. Mettle-Nunoo Jnr, one of the protesters, read the petition, demanding immediate action within a three-month ultimatum.
The petition emphasized the importance of fixing the inner roads of Teshie to alleviate traffic congestion, increase productivity, and reduce repair costs. It warned of further demonstrations if progress was not seen within two months of submitting the petition.
In response, the Municipal Chief Executive stated that four major roads in the community were currently undergoing rehabilitation. These roads included the Tsuibleoo Road, the Fertiliser Road, the King Kortey Road, and the Numo Mashie Road.
The MCE assured the protesters that the government would address the remaining roads according to its own timetable and not in response to an ultimatum.
The Member of Parliament for the Ledzokuku Constituency commended the protesters for their peaceful demonstration and acknowledged that the poor road conditions affected everyone in the community, particularly pregnant women.
He also highlighted the physical discomfort and spinal issues caused by the bumpy nature of the roads, expressing personal empathy as a victim himself.
The protest in Teshie has brought attention to the urgent need for road improvements in the community, urging authorities to take swift action to address the concerns of the residents.
