A sharp social-media reaction has trailed the celebration of the newly commissioned walkway over the Vea Dam spillway in the Bongo District, with a user identified as James Apesiga congratulating the community but openly criticising former Upper East Regional Minister, Ephraim Avea Nsoh.
Apesiga wrote: “Congratulations, but you in particular also failed the people of Vea as a former Regional Minister.”
His comment highlights lingering frustrations despite the community’s excitement over finally securing safe access across the spillway after nearly six decades of seasonal isolation and dangerous crossings.
Community milestone after decades of neglect
For almost 60 years, residents, farmers, schoolchildren and pregnant women risked their lives crossing the spillway when the dam overflowed each rainy season, cutting off access to schools, markets and healthcare services.
Repeated appeals for government support yielded little until residents, led by community leaders and supported by diaspora contributions, took matters into their own hands to fund and construct the walkway.
Apesiga’s call for accountability
While applauding the achievement, Apesiga held the former Regional Minister accountable for what he described as leadership failure during his tenure. His comment reflects a sentiment shared by some community members who believe successive administrations overlooked the plight of Vea for decades.
Ephraim Avea Nsoh, who served as Upper East Regional Minister under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is yet to publicly respond to the criticism.
Beyond celebration — a reminder
The walkway has been hailed as a symbol of resilience, unity and self-determination. Children can now walk to school safely, expectant mothers can reach health facilities without fear, and farmers can transport produce year-round without relying on precarious canoes or makeshift planks.
However, the public reaction reminds leaders, past and present that rural development goes beyond speeches and visits. For the people of Vea, this walkway is both a victory and a reminder of years of unaddressed hardship.
The way forward
The community looks ahead with pride and renewed hope. The walkway marks a turning point, but residents still expect continued support as broader rehabilitation works on the dam and access networks continue.
