A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communications team, Johnson Ayine, has defended the Bolgatanga East Municipal Assembly’s decision to demolish structures obstructing planned roads, arguing that development should not be sacrificed for political convenience.
Speaking on Dreamz FM’s News Digest, Mr Ayine said road infrastructure remains the foundation of development and urban growth, stressing that communities must support efforts to create proper road networks.
He acknowledged that road demarcation exercises often face resistance from affected residents but insisted that leaders must sometimes make difficult decisions in the public interest.
Mr Ayine cited previous demolition exercises in Bolgatanga, noting that while they generated political backlash, they ultimately contributed to improved infrastructure development.
According to him, many residents oppose road projects because they fear losing portions of their land, yet they later become beneficiaries of the same developments through increased commercial activity and rising property values.
He criticized planning authorities for allowing development to outpace urban planning, arguing that communities should be properly planned before large-scale construction begins.
Mr Ayine also called for stronger public education campaigns by planning authorities and local assemblies to help residents understand land-use regulations and the long-term benefits of infrastructure projects.
He maintained that while road demarcation can be unpopular, authorities must remain focused on development outcomes rather than short-term political considerations.
