A large scale demolition has started along the Ashaiman to Afienya road, leading to the pulling down of many shops, buildings, and other structures standing along the route. The exercise has changed the area quickly, with many business owners and residents watching as properties they have known for years are brought down to make way for road expansion.
The demolition forms part of the government’s dualization road project, a major plan aimed at reducing the heavy traffic congestion that has affected the stretch for a long time. For many drivers and commuters, the Ashaiman to Afienya road has become known for daily delays, long hours in traffic, and constant frustration, especially during rush hours.
Because of this, many people have welcomed the road project, believing it will improve movement, reduce travel time, and support business activities in the long term. However, for those whose shops and buildings are being removed, the experience has been painful and emotional.
Several traders who depended on roadside shops for their daily income now face uncertainty about where to move next and how to restart their businesses. Some say they understand the need for development, but the sudden reality of losing their place of work has left them worried about survival.
Others stood by quietly as excavators and demolition teams moved from one structure to another, breaking walls, removing roofing sheets, and clearing the path for construction work. In many places, goods were seen being moved out quickly as owners tried to save what they could before the demolition reached them.
Residents in the area say the traffic problem has lasted for years and has affected both work and family life. People travelling between Ashaiman, Kpone, Afienya, and nearby communities often spend too much time on the road because of congestion, especially when heavy trucks and commercial vehicles fill the highway.
The government’s decision to dualize the road is therefore seen as an important step toward solving a problem that has continued for too long. A wider road is expected to improve transport, make travel safer, and support economic growth in communities along the route.
Still, the human side of the demolition cannot be ignored. Behind every removed shop is a family that depended on it. Behind every broken wall is someone trying to adjust to sudden change. For many affected people, development feels difficult when it begins with personal loss.
Some residents believe better communication and stronger support should be given to those affected so they can relocate and continue their lives without too much hardship. They say road projects are necessary, but people should also be treated with care and fairness during the process.
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