Contractors working on three of the four bypasses on the Accra-Kumasi Highway have reported that illegal mining activities have affected the progress of their work.

They stated that the mining operations have made the soil soggy, requiring more filling to compact the road, which has consequently delayed project timelines.

According to a report by graphic.com.gh, the contractors disclosed this during a tour by the Minister of Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, to assess the progress of the projects.

The ongoing bypass projects at Osino, Anyinam, Enyiresi, and Konongo are significant components of the Central Corridor Road project.

However, the contractors maintained that they are working diligently to ensure the contract is delivered on schedule.

Dolittle Kwaku Sintim-Aboagye, the Project Lead for STIM Ltd, the contractor for the Osino bypass project, stated that additional materials were required to treat the soil before the commencement of the main construction.

He noted that the situation had ultimately affected the project's design, as the ponds left by the miners need to be decommissioned as part of the overall process.

The company is supervising the construction of 11.6 kilometres (km) of the Osino South-bound bypass on the Apedwa-Ejisu section of the Accra-Kumasi Road.

This project is part of the 160-km Apedwa-Ejisu Road dualisation initiative aimed at enhancing socio-economic activities along the Central Corridor.

The project began on June 15, 2023, and is expected to be completed by December 14, 2025.

In addition to the mining challenges, he mentioned issues related to compensation for some affected property owners along the project area, particularly farmers.

He reportedly stated that the Ghana Highways Authority is addressing compensation matters with the crop farmers.

So far, about 45 per cent of work on the project has been completed.

On the Anyinam Project, consultant David Brobbe cited similar challenges faced by the contractor.

He explained that the pits along the construction path necessitate more laterite to level the ground.

He also noted that illegal developments have begun to emerge along the project site, requiring government intervention.

Francis Asenso-Boakye, the Minister of Roads and Highways, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made so far.

He acknowledged that the challenges faced by the contractors might slightly affect completion timelines but expressed hope that the projects would be delivered on schedule.

He added that in addition to the bypasses, the government is implementing other measures within the corridor to improve transportation with neighbouring communities.

These interventions, the report said, include the provision of underpasses, overpasses, culverts, and a 40-metre bridge over the Birim River.

JKB/AE

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