The collapse of the Doli Bridge has led to the rerouting of haulage and heavy-duty trucks from Techiman through Fulfulso – Damongo to Sawla, causing extra costs and responsibilities for shippers and customs officials.
The National Vice Chairman of the Ghana Haulage Truck Drivers Association, Mr. Abdul-rasheed Braimah, highlighted the challenges faced, including increased fuel costs and difficulties in finding assistance for truck breakdowns on the new corridor.
He appealed for expedited work on fixing the Doli Bridge to enable a return to the old route.
The Doli Bridge in the Bole District of the Savannah Region, which connects the southern parts of the country to the Upper West Region and neighboring countries, collapsed on September 17, 2023.
The rerouting has presented additional responsibilities to officials of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) at Bole, ensuring goods in transit are not sold in the country.
Mr. Frederick Atogiyire, Tamale Branch Manager, Ghana Shippers' Authority, expressed concerns over increased costs for shippers and called for a timely fix to reduce transportation expenses.
The collapse of the Doli Bridge has also negatively impacted local artisans and businesses in the Bole District, with reduced economic activities.
Efforts are underway to repair the bridge, and iron rods have been sent to the site, with work expected to commence soon. Bole District Chief Executive, Madam Veronica Alele Heming, acknowledged the adverse effects on the local economy and assured that repair work would start as the rainy season is over.
