Joseph Nelson tackles potholes on Asem-asa N1 highway on Takoradi-Accra road

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, announced urgent maintenance for the Asem-asa N1 highway. Nine sections of this road on the Takoradi–Accra route need immediate attention.

Mr. Nelson shared that the Ghana Highways Authority assessed the road. They found specific areas extremely hazardous for motorists and pedestrians.

“This road is vital for trade,” he stated. It connects Accra to Elubo and facilitates traffic from Côte d’Ivoire. Unfortunately, parts of this stretch are in poor condition, especially from Cape Coast.

He received detailed briefings from the Ghana Highways Authority about these issues. Certain sections have large potholes that endanger road users and cause heavy congestion during peak hours.

Mr. Nelson decided to work with the Ghana Highways Authority to address these problems urgently. He aims to repair affected areas before the rainy season begins in a few weeks.

On April 13, he inspected ongoing maintenance works along the highway. He assured journalists of his commitment to making the road safer for users.

"This is a major route," he said. With no full-scale contract expected soon, urgent action was necessary due to approaching rains. The Highways Authority is ready to assist if quarry materials are available for repairs.

“We have several quarry companies in Shama District,” he noted. They agreed to supply materials needed for filling potholes. He thanked them and the engineers at the Highways Authority for their support.

Mr. Nelson emphasized that rehabilitating this road is crucial for regional trade across West Africa. He expressed satisfaction with progress made on their first day of work.

He pointed out numerous potholes on the Beposo side of the road, which regular users know well. This timely intervention will help improve conditions before heavy rains worsen them further.

“Certain sections have posed significant challenges,” he added, particularly around Anto area where lorries often topple over due to poor conditions. Seeing those areas filled gives him hope for improved traffic flow soon.

This improvement will benefit motorists traveling from Cape Coast and beyond, making journeys easier. Today marks just the beginning; he is confident they will address all trouble spots along this route.

The highway sees heavy traffic volumes from Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Burkina Faso, and other nations, making it critical for regional trade.

Mr. Nelson explained his motivation: improving transport systems in the region through collaboration with various stakeholders.

“I’m pleased we’re making progress,” he said about tackling remaining troublesome sections of Takoradi–Cape Coast road soon.

He commended management involved in District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Ghana Highways Authority, and local quarry firms like GDC Quarry and Justmark Quarry for their support in supplying materials quickly.

Mr Emmanuel Kwesi Rockson, Western Regional Maintenance Manager of Ghana Highways Authority also spoke about repairs' scope and duration. He highlighted how these efforts would reduce accidents and ease persistent traffic congestion along Takoradi–Cape Coast corridor.