Charles Bissue, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for the Essikadu-Ketan Constituency in the Western Region, is making progress on his promise to improve the Eshiem Road.
The government’s District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) and support from local companies are driving this effort.
The Eshiem Road has been the focus of over six protests in the past three years, largely due to the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly’s slow response to residents’ concerns about the road’s poor condition.
Previous promises to fix the road were not fulfilled, often made just to disperse protesters and ensure that trucks could continue to transport goods for local businesses.
In June, Charles Bissue pledged to work with the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) and local companies to address the road’s issues.
He has been actively engaging with these companies, which have shown strong support for the project.
They recognize that a better road will benefit their operations by improving transportation efficiency.
Bissue has also been in discussions with the Roads and Highways Ministry and the STMA, emphasizing the need for funding to rehabilitate the road due to its economic importance.
He noted that Eshiem, along with the Port of Takoradi Enclave and Tarkwa, has a high concentration of large-scale industries, making the road’s condition crucial for economic activity.
“Fixing the Eshiem Road has become my top priority since I made my commitment in June,” Charles Bissue said.
His efforts to rehabilitate the road have received a significant boost with the launch of the government’s District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), aimed at improving roads nationwide.
Under DRIP, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly has been provided with 18 machines, including tipper trucks, backhoes, tankers, rollers, graders, and concrete mixers.
The Essikadu-Ketan Sub-Metro is expected to receive six of these machines.
According to a source at the assembly, “The Eshiem Road is a top priority on the assembly’s list of roads to address under DRIP.”
The source added, “Charles Bissue has been consistently visiting the assembly every week since June, focusing on the Eshiem Road and its need for repair.
His persistence has been effective in convincing the assembly.”
Charles Bissue has been meeting with companies along the road over the past four days to finalize their support for the road’s rehabilitation.
“I hope to see work begin on the road in September,” he said.
“There is a lot to be done, and time is of the essence.
Based on our discussions and the assurances we have received, starting in September is feasible, unless there are unforeseen delays. My talks with the STMA are almost complete.”
He assured the people of Eshiem that construction will soon start and will continue until the road is fully rehabilitated. Bissue asked for patience from all involved—residents, companies, and contractors—during the process, acknowledging that there will be some temporary inconvenience.
