Pakyi Residents Suffer Health Risks and Business Losses Due to Dusty Roads in Ashanti Region
Residents of Pakyi Nos. 1 and 2 in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region are calling for urgent road repairs, citing severe health risks and economic losses caused by the poor state of local roads.
Community members say the unpaved, dusty roads generate constant dust, especially during the dry season, making it difficult to breathe and affecting daily life. In addition to dust clouds, rains turn the roads into impassable mud tracks, further complicating transportation and limiting access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.
According to Yaw Gyamfi, founder of the Amansie Onua DƆ Fun Club, residents face a growing risk of respiratory and other dust-related illnesses. Children, the elderly, traders, and roadside workers — who spend long hours outdoors — are particularly vulnerable. “The dust we inhale every day exposes us to illnesses that could be prevented if the roads were improved,” he said.
The conditions have also negatively affected local businesses. Roadside vendors and shop owners report losing customers as dust settles on goods, making them unsellable and forcing some traders to close their shops entirely. Gyamfi emphasized that the roads’ condition threatens livelihoods, as many households rely on daily trading for income.
These issues were highlighted during the fifth anniversary of the Amansie Onua DƆ Fun Club, held on January 12, 2026, under the theme “The Love for the People through Donation.” The event brought together residents, community leaders, and supporters who stressed the urgency of improving the road network to protect both public health and economic activity.
In response, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie South, Hon. Prince Manu Morris, assured the community that road rehabilitation is a top priority. He noted that President John Dramani Mahama is committed to enhancing infrastructure across the district to improve transportation, reduce health risks, and stimulate local commerce.
The DCE also highlighted recent improvements in the area, such as the removal of a refuse dump in Pakyi, which has helped improve sanitation and quality of life. However, he acknowledged that much more needs to be done, particularly regarding the roads that continue to pose daily challenges for residents.
Community members continue to urge the government and district authorities to take immediate action to repair and upgrade the roads. They argue that investing in infrastructure is essential not only to safeguard health but also to revive small businesses, ensure smoother transportation, and improve the overall quality of life in the area.
As the debate over road rehabilitation continues, Pakyi residents hope that sustained government attention and investment will bring lasting solutions, reducing health risks and allowing businesses to thrive once again.
Source: Thepressradio.com
