Mr Emmanuel Drah, the Member of Parliament for the Upper West Akim constituency, has expressed his sincere gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and his administration following the commencement of repair works on the Asuokaw bridge.
This development comes over a year after the president initially issued a directive for the bridge’s reconstruction, with contractors now officially deployed to the site.
The presidential intervention began in 2025 through the Ministry of Defence, which was tasked with assessing the feasibility of a permanent structure at Asuokaw in the Eastern Region.
The move was prompted by a viral video that captured a young boy carrying his brother across the river to reach school.
The footage drew immediate national attention and led President Mahama to dispatch engineers to the site with an assurance that a safe, reliable crossing would be provided.
Despite the initial urgency, the project faced a standstill for over a year, prompting the MP to raise several concerns regarding the delay. Following this period of advocacy, workers have finally returned to the site to begin the physical construction.
Reflecting on the progress, the MP shared his relief during a recent inspection. “We have waited for this moment for a year and a few months. Finally, work has started. I visited the site last week together with the director of feeder roads, Mr Banini. The work is not one that requires fabrication of metals because there was an application to the minister to use an existing bridge at the Ajumako area. The bridge was abandoned, but in terms of strength and durability, it remains strong, and so they are to dismantle the materials and use them for the bridge in our area.”
Mr Drah further noted that the scope of the project exceeds the community’s initial expectations. Once completed, the bridge will function as a heavy-duty link, significantly improving local logistics by allowing large vehicles to traverse the river safely.
“The bridge, after completion, will serve multiple purposes. It is a heavy-duty link. Engineering-wise, it can contain heavy-duty machines,” he added.
According to the MP, work is currently progressing at a steady pace. If the current momentum is maintained, the project is expected to be officially handed over to the community within approximately six months.
Mr Drah acknowledged the role of public advocacy in securing this outcome. “We are extremely grateful to the media.
The community, residents, opinion leaders, and chiefs are all excited. They are grateful that, at long last, President John Dramani Mahama has respected them and started work on the bridge.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
