The bridge cutting off the two districts
The collapse of the Achiase–Anumso metal bridge in the Ashanti Region has cut off the Juaben Municipality from the Bosome Freho District, crippling transportation, disrupting economic activities and leaving thousands of residents stranded.
The bridge, which serves as a major link between the two districts, caved in after years of heavy use, with residents blaming the continuous movement of heavy-duty equipment for weakening its structure.
Residents disclosed that they had repeatedly warned authorities that the bridge was becoming unsafe and could collapse at any time, but no major rehabilitation works were undertaken.
Although illegal mining (galamsey) activities are ongoing in the area, the residents maintained that the bridge’s collapse was not caused by mining but by the excessive movement of heavy machinery across it.
A temporary attempt to restore access by dumping sand into the collapsed section has rather compounded the problem. The sand has blocked the natural flow of the Mentu River, causing flooding whenever it rains and rendering the road completely impassable.
The development has dealt a heavy blow to farming and trading activities in the area. Farmers are unable to transport their produce to markets, resulting in huge post-harvest losses, while traders remain stranded with their goods.
Residents also say the collapsed bridge has created a major healthcare challenge, making it difficult to transport emergency cases, including pregnant women in labour and critically ill patients, to health facilities.
Speaking to Kumasi FM, commuters appealed to the government to urgently reconstruct the bridge to restore movement, improve access to healthcare and revive economic activities.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Juaben, Eunice Ohenewaa Ansu, has inspected the collapsed bridge and assured residents that government would take steps to reconstruct it.
The MCE, however, expressed concern over the continued illegal mining activities in the enclave, and called for intensified efforts to tackle the menace.
FROM David Afum, Achiase