Residents, together with motorists and members of the Kwahu Afram Plains Cargo Drivers Association have protested against the Volta Lake Transport Company (VLTC) over poor conditions and mismanagement of the ferry on the Afram River.
The demonstrators complained that frequent breakdowns of the ferry and deteriorated roads in the area are negatively impacting businesses and livelihoods.
The demonstrators clad in red and black apparel displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Fix the two engines of the ferry,” “Fix the Afram bridge,” “No more reverse on the ferry,” among others.
Some demonstrators, speaking to the media expressed their frustration about the situation, during authorities for swift intervention.
One stated, “We are demonstrating because of the state of the roads and ferries we use. The ferries we use for work are always encountering challenges. And the road from Kwahu Tafo to Agodeke is very bad. That’s why we are here urging authorities to listen to our pleas. The engine of a ferry has been spoilt for almost ten years now. We are urging authorities to come to our aid, considering the significance of Afram Plains to the country.”
The Member of Parliament for Afram Plains South, Joseph Appiah Boateng and the District Chief Executive Evans Kyei Ntiri who both received petitions from the demonstrators assured them of forwarding their concerns to appropriate authorities for redress.
The MP indicated the challenges the road is causing, underscoring the significance of the ferries.
“It’ll be very bad when a pregnant woman is in labour and has been referred to other hospitals, but the ferry won’t be available, or someone needs serious surgery, but the ferry won’t be there. It affects businesses and other important things. People are sometimes afraid to take the boats, especially visitors. We are urging the government and stakeholders to listen to our plea and come help us,” he stated.
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