Akyem Asene farmers demand compensation for expressway construction

More than 200 farmers in Akyem Asene, near Oda, have appealed to the Ghanaian government for adequate compensation following the destruction of their livelihoods for the Accra-Kumasi expressway project. The affected properties include cocoa and food crop farms, as well as oil palm plantations.

Victims held demonstrations to highlight economic hardships caused by the loss of their farms over eight months ago. Some farmers reported being unable to meet basic needs or pay tertiary education fees for their children. One farmer noted the loss of an eight-acre cocoa farm that previously generated approximately GH¢40,000 annually.

Samuel Tieku, head of the Ghana Highway Authority survey team, confirmed that some destroyed farms have not yet been measured to assess damage. He noted that the expressway width was increased from 120 metres to 150 metres, which expanded the number of affected farmers. Tieku urged restraint, stating that concerns would be communicated to the appropriate authorities for assessment.