Encroachment along Pokuase-Nsawam Highway raises road safety concerns at Dobro

Concerns over road safety and the progress of construction works along the Pokuase–Nsawam Highway have resurfaced following the emergence of container shops, sand and chippings businesses, and concrete mixer rental services within a road buffer zone at Dobro in the Eastern Region. The development comes despite a previous demolition exercise undertaken to remove structures encroaching on the 90-metre road reservation ahead of the highway’s construction. The affected area, particularly the stretch in front of fruit processing company Blue Skies, has become a point of concern, with containers and heavy-duty tipper trucks occupying space between the main highway and the road linking to Dobro.

The activities have raised questions about compliance with road reservation requirements and the enforcement of regulations intended to protect road infrastructure and ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians. The presence of commercial activities along the narrow stretch could pose significant risks to road users, particularly when heavy-duty trucks enter or exit the roadside businesses. The movement of these vehicles, coupled with the limited space available, could obstruct traffic and increase the risk of collisions and injuries involving motorists and pedestrians. Additional concerns have been raised about containers positioned directly beneath high-voltage electricity transmission pylons, potentially exposing people operating within the area to safety risks. Beyond the immediate dangers, the encroachment could interfere with ongoing road construction by occupying space required for road works and associated infrastructure. Management of Blue Skies has expressed concern about the situation, warning of its potential implications for road safety, construction activities,…