Kumasi: Mr. Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minister of Roads and Highways, has ordered the immediate closure of a bridge over the River Offin at Kukuom in the Atwima Mponua District for rehabilitation. He issued the directive after inspecting the life-threatening bridge, following a widely circulated video on social media highlighting its deplorable condition.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Minister, accompanied by the Ashanti Regional Minister and members of the Regional Security Council, instructed engineers under the Ministry to collaborate with a contractor to repair the bridge within three months. In the meantime, the contractor is expected to create a detour to maintain traffic flow during the reconstruction period.
Mr. Agbodza emphasized that the issue had been reported since 2018 without resolution, and he was sent by President Mahama, who is determined to address such challenges. The Minister highlighted the necessity to completely shut down the bridge to allow for efficient repair work. He pointed out that the use of the bridge by heavy trucks involved in local mining activities, instead of transporting them on low beds, was accelerating its deterioration, a practice that must cease post-rehabilitation.
The Minister reiterated the President's commitment to providing good roads nationwide and expressed gratitude to the local chiefs and residents for their cooperation despite the potential inconveniences caused by the rehabilitation work.
In addition to the bridge inspection, Mr. Agbodza and his team also reviewed the access road to the Agenda 111 Hospital Project at Trede, directing the contractor to upgrade the road for better accessibility. The Minister also visited the site of the Suame Roundabout Interchange Project to discuss its progress with the contractors. Although funding remains a challenge, the President is committed to completing the project to benefit the residents of Kumasi and its surroundings.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Regional Minister, praised local authorities for their cooperation in facilitating project progress. He also mentioned his intention to work with the Ghana Water Company Limited to restore water supply to residents affected by the construction projects.
