July 6, 2025 – As the Kwame Nkrumah Festival (Nkrumahfest 2025) approaches, the Chief of Salema in the Ellembelle District of Ghana’s Western Region, Nana Bentum has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to rehabilitate the road from Esiama to Nkroful the birthplace and original burial site of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
According to the chief, the annual event attracts distinguished personalities from far and near to celebrate the legacy and vision of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He emphasized that the short stretch of road leading to Nkroful does not befit the stature of Ghana’s first President and Prime Minister.
Speaking to journalists at Salema, Nana Bentum commended President Mahama for appointing several sons and daughters of Nzemaland to key positions in his administration. However, he stressed that rehabilitating the Esiama–Nkroful road must now be a major priority.
He noted that the previous Akufo-Addo led administration attempted to reconstruct the road, but the project was poorly executed. Portions were left unattended, resulting in large, dangerous potholes.
Nana Bentum urged the President to complete the road, describing its current condition as deplorable a situation he believes tarnishes Ghana’s image, especially given Nkroful’s historical importance. He remarked that while Dr. Nkrumah is celebrated globally as a torchbearer of Africa’s emancipation and liberation, the state of the road to his hometown is a national embarrassment.
He drew a comparison with neighboring La Côte d’Ivoire, noting that even roads leading to their farmlands are of first-class quality. The chief, therefore, called for an expansion of the Esiama–Nkroful road into a dual carriageway to facilitate the movement of goods and services.
Nana Bentum reminded the President that major oil and gas companies such as Ghana Gas, ENI, Quantum LPG, as well as mining firm ADAMUS Resources, operate in the area yet the road infrastructure remains substandard.
He concluded by urging the President to urgently award the road on contract for reconstruction to begin without further delay.
By Kodwo Nyamekeh
