Drivers operating on the route have reportedly increased fares in recent weeks, citing the worsening condition of the Agona Nkwanta–Dixcove road, which they say is causing frequent vehicle breakdowns and increasing maintenance costs.

Several commuters who spoke to reporter Ephya Gyambrah complained that the continuous fare increments are taking a toll on their daily lives and businesses.

According to some traders and workers who rely on the route, transport fares have nearly doubled in certain communities, making movement difficult for residents.

“I spend almost all my daily sales on transportation alone. The roads are very bad, but the fares are becoming unbearable,” a trader lamented.

Commercial drivers, however, insist the increments are necessary to keep their businesses running.

One driver at the Agona Nkwanta lorry station explained that the poor nature of the road has significantly affected their vehicles.

“We are not increasing the fares because we want to cheat passengers. The road is destroying our cars every day. Almost every week we are repairing shock absorbers, tyres and other parts,” he said.

Another driver added that fuel consumption has also increased because vehicles are forced to move slowly through pothole-ridden sections of the road.

“If we continue to charge the old fares, we cannot survive. The road from Agona Nkwanta towards Dixcove has become very terrible, especially during the rains,” the driver stressed.

Some drivers further indicated that transport unions have had no option but to adjust fares informally to cushion operators against the rising cost of vehicle maintenance.

Residents and commuters are therefore calling on the government and the Ghana Highway Authority to urgently rehabilitate the stretch to reduce the burden on both drivers and passengers.

They fear that if immediate action is not taken, transport fares could rise even further, worsening the economic hardship faced by people living and working along the corridor.

The deceased, John Abban, who a brother of the chief of Butre and Asemkor, was attacked and murdered on 6th October, 2025 at Asemkor following a chieftaincy dispute.

The suspects fled the town and went into hiding after the murder. On 15ch October 2025, following sustained intelligence by the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, suspects Kennedy Abor alias Abongo aged 30, Kojo Attah Panyi aged 20 and Joseph Basses aged 30 were arrested at their hideout in Funko.

On 215t October, 2025, the Regional Intelligence Directorate in collaboration with a team from Accra Regional Intelligence Directorate apprehended the two main suspects, Abraham Cudjoe, alias Yalle 39 years and Ekow Painstil 45 years at their hideout in Afuaman Ayigbe Town located within the Ga West Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra Region.

All the suspects are in Police custody assisting in investigations and will be put before the court.

Speaking after the operation, Hon. Aidoo emphasized the severe impact of illegal mining on the environment and local communities. He called for collective action to tackle the menace.

“The ripple effect of galamsey is enormous. We must all come together to fight this devastating calamity,” he stated.

According to the MCE, the joint task force successfully conducted an operation deep within the Cape Three Points Forest. During the raid, seven individuals were arrested, and more than ten “chamfa” machines—commonly referred to as “one leg”—were destroyed, delivering a major blow to illegal mining operations in the area.

Hon. Aidoo reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the environment and upholding the law, stating that the operation was a clear demonstration of his resolve as MCE.

He further noted that pragmatic measures are being implemented to ensure that local communities are better equipped and safer, highlighting the Assembly’s dedication to long-term environmental sustainability and community protection.