Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, has ordered the immediate closure of the Atwima Mponua bridge in the Ashanti Region due to its deteriorating condition, posing a significant risk to motorists.
The bridge, which connects several communities in the Atwima Mponua District, has become increasingly unsafe following years of heavy traffic, particularly from large trucks. The structure has shown signs of severe damage, including weakened metal beams, deep cracks in the surface, and crumbling pillars.
The deteriorating state of the bridge has raised concerns, especially for farmers who rely on it to transport produce from rural areas, such as Kotokuom, to urban markets. Local residents had repeatedly appealed for repairs, and their efforts gained further attention after a number of them took to social media to highlight the bridge’s dangerous condition.
The outcry prompted President John Dramani Mahama to instruct Minister Kwasi Amoako-Attah to visit the site and oversee urgent action. Following a site inspection with Ministry engineers, the Minister confirmed that the bridge would be handed over to contractors for immediate repairs.
The Ashanti Regional Security Council has advised drivers to use alternative routes while work is underway.
Source:TheDotNews