The disagreement is between the Enyan Maim Kona No. 1 Ebusua Family and Messrs E-Speedway Construction Limited, the contractor executing the project.

According to the family, the road alignment was redesigned to eliminate a dangerous sharp curve, making it necessary to relocate the deity to pave the way for construction.

Following consultations with a fetish priestess, the family is demanding nearly GH¢9,000 to perform the customary rites required before the deity can be moved. The amount is expected to cover the purchase of a sheep, schnapps, yam, red cloth and other ritual items, as well as GH¢2,000 for the priestess and her assistants.

The family said the contractor offered GH¢2,000 and suggested replacing the sheep with a fowl for the rituals, an offer they rejected.

As a result, the deity remains at the project site, cordoned off with red bands, while construction activities continue around the area.

Madam Ekua Kwansima, Obaapanyin of the Enyan Maim Kona No. 1 Ebusua Family, said the family lacked the financial resources to undertake the relocation and maintained that the contractor should bear the cost of the customary rites.

She explained that the land belongs to the family and that compensation for its acquisition has not yet been paid.

According to her, the matter has been brought to the attention of the District Chief Executive for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam, who has attempted to mediate, but no agreement has been reached.

Madam Kwansima insisted that the family would not proceed with the relocation unless the required traditional rites were fully performed.

She also cautioned against any attempt to remove or destroy the deity without observing the prescribed customs, warning that such an action could have serious consequences according to their traditional beliefs.

Despite the impasse, she emphasized that the family supports the road project and only wants the issue resolved amicably and in accordance with custom.

She appealed to the Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam and Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, as well as the Minister for Roads and Highways, to intervene and facilitate a resolution.

The Project Manager of Messrs E-Speedway Construction Limited confirmed the existence of the dispute but declined to comment further. He acknowledged that the disagreement has affected progress on that section of the road.

Meanwhile, construction on the 111-kilometre Mankessim–Ajumako–Agona Swedru Road has resumed at an accelerated pace following improved weather conditions after weeks of rainfall that slowed operations.