Youth of Benso in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region have taken the initiative to gravel a 200-kilometers stretch of their community roads, demonstrating their commitment to improving public health and wellbeing by reducing the spread of respiratory infections.
Benso Ahenkro, the traditional capital of the Wassa Fiase traditional area, boasts a rich cultural heritage, yet its approximately 20,000 residents face significant infrastructure challenges.
Despite repeated pleas, the community remains without a single kilometer of tarred road, a concern that has persisted through successive governments.
According to Physician Assistant at the Benso Community Clinic Francis Doe, the predominant health issue affecting residents is respiratory infections, primarily attributed to the community’s perpetually dusty environment.
“Apparently, the dusty environment here leads to numerous health issues, including frequent cough cases, upper respiratory conditions, and pneumonia. The dust itself poses significant health risks, affecting the overall wellbeing of our community.”
Embracing a communal spirit that fosters development and progress, the youth and chiefs of the area have joined forces to initiate a self-help project. Through individual contributions, they are working together to gravel roads and streets, aiming to reduce the spread of respiratory diseases that have plagued the community due to its dusty environment.
Nana Awortwe holds the esteemed position of Chief Linguist and chairman of the youth committee.
“What you’re witnessing here is a testament to the community’s determination. As the traditional seat of the Wassa Fiase traditional area, our youth have come together to drive development projects.”
“Sadly, since the era of former President Jerry John Rawlings, Benso has not seen any significant infrastructure development, not even a single kilometer of tarred road connecting us to Tarkwa or Kojokrom. Our town roads are in a deplorable state, plagued by dust, which poses a significant health risk, particularly for the healthcare workers and patients at our clinic just behind us.”
“Against this backdrop, we, the youth, decided to take matters into our own hands and do something meaningful. We’ve started graveling the main roads and have even solicited support from local businesses, who have kindly complied with our requests,” he explained.
The youth categorically denied allegations that their road-gravelling initiative was sponsored by any political party or politician, emphasizing that it was a genuine community-driven effort.
“We’d like to set the record straight – rumors have been circulating that our road project is backed by a member of parliament, but that’s simply not true. The truth is, it’s a collaborative effort between the local youth and our chiefs, who have come together to tackle the pressing health issues in our community. We urge everyone to disregard this misinformation and recognize the genuine community spirit driving this initiative.” One of them said.
Nana Awortwe has made a heartfelt appeal to the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Assembly and the government to provide bitumen to pave their community roads once the graveling is complete.
“Praise be to God, we’ve made significant progress so far with the funds we’ve raised through contributions. However, we’re facing financial constraints as a single truckload of gravel costs GH¢5,000. We’re appealing to our fellow indigenes from Benso to support us in completing this project. As youth, we’re committed to dedicating our time and energy to ensure the project’s success, and we kindly request your assistance to help us achieve our goal.”
The contractor Engineer Ernest Offei, overseeing the project, expressed surprise and admiration upon discovering that the initiative was entirely funded by the local youth in the community. He seized the opportunity to encourage other youth groups across the country to draw inspiration from this exemplary display of community spirit and self-initiative.
“The Benso community approached us to reshape and upgrade their roads with stones, spanning a 200-kilometers distance. I’m encouraged to see the youth taking this initiative, supported by the chief, to improve their community. This is a model example of community-driven development, demonstrating that progress is a shared responsibility. It’s a valuable lesson for other communities to learn from and emulate moving forward.” He stated.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
Source:
3news.com
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