By P. K. Yankey
Ankobra (W/R), Aug. 25, GNA – Residents of Jomoro have appealed to the Ministry of Roads and Highways to urgently rehabilitate the Ankobra Bridge in the Ellembelle District, describing its deteriorating condition as a potential disaster waiting to happen.
They warned that failure to undertake immediate repair works on the bridge, which spans the galamsey-polluted River Ankobra, could lead to loss of lives and property.
Speaking on behalf of residents in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mrs Khadeeja Hassan-Yankey said urgent action was required to avert a possible national tragedy.
She explained that the bridge served as a key transit point along the international highway linking Ghana to La Cote d’Ivoire and other countries within the West African sub-region.
Mrs Hassan-Yankey said the bridge had not undergone any major rehabilitation since it was constructed by German contractors between 1965 and 1967 during the administration of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
The bridge, located at Sanwoma in the Ellembelle District, was part of a package of three bridge projects expected to benefit from a £65 million loan facility approved by Parliament for their design, construction and rehabilitation.
The other projects included the bridge over the Sweet River at Iture between Elmina and Cape Coast in the Central Region and the Dikpe Bridge over the Black Volta River linking Lawra and Dikpe.
However, according to her, the planned works were not executed, leaving the Ankobra Bridge in a state of deterioration.
Mrs Hassan-Yankey urged the Government to avoid a “wait-and-see” approach and take immediate steps to rehabilitate the bridge before a major accident occurred.
She emphasised the bridge’s strategic economic importance, noting that it facilitated regional and international trade along the N1 Highway corridor.
According to her, the 134-metre concrete bridge had become unstable due to the constant movement of heavy-duty trucks transporting goods and services across the corridor.
She said the structure had developed deep potholes, exposing reinforcing iron rods and raising concerns about the safety of motorists and pedestrians.
Mrs Hassan-Yankey noted that there was no viable alternative route for vehicles using the Abidjan-Elubo-Lagos corridor, making the bridge indispensable to transportation and commerce in the area.
She further expressed concern about the condition of another bridge over the River Ankobra at Dominase in the Gwira area through Simpa Junction to Apemanim and Takoradi, which she said was also deteriorating.
Mrs Hassan-Yankey called on the Government to expedite action on the rehabilitation programme, stressing that lives and property must be protected through timely intervention.
She appealed to the authorities to cut through bureaucratic delays and commence repair works immediately following reports that Cabinet had approved the rehabilitation of the bridge.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: P.K. Yankey
[email protected]
