Ghana’s Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodzah, has ordered the immediate closure of the Kotokuom Bridge in the Atwima Mponua District in the Ashanti region which has been in a deplorable state since 2022, posing a significant threat to commuters’ lives. The Minister’s directive follows an inspection visit to the bridge, accompanied by the Ashanti Regional Minister and the Regional Security Council (RESEC).
During the visit, Agbodzah acknowledged that reports of the bridge’s poor condition had been neglected since 2022. However, he assured that the current government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, is committed to taking action and delivering results.
The Minister attributed the bridge’s deterioration to the use of heavy trucks by mining companies in the area, which has caused significant damage. He emphasized that miners will no longer be allowed to use the bridge, and instead, must transport their equipment on lowbed trucks.
Agbodzah handed over the project to the contractor and instructed them to commence work immediately. He assured that President Mahama is committed to ensuring that every Ghanaian has access to good roads and that the bridge will be reconstructed on time.
In addition to the Kotokuom Bridge, the Minister also visited the Agenda 111 hospital project, where he tasked the contractor with upgrading the main road leading to the facility. He also inspected the Suame Roundabout Interchange construction project, acknowledging funding challenges but expressing the President’s commitment to completing the project, which will benefit residents of Kumasi and users across the country.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, commended local authorities for their cooperation and promised to collaborate with the Ghana Water Company to address water supply concerns related to the Suame Roundabout Interchange project.
