Nana Ainoo Kwagyan III, the esteemed Chief of Esiama in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, has issued a pressing appeal to Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembelle, urging immediate action to begin renovation works on the critical bridge over River Ankobra. This infrastructure is pivotal for connecting the Nzema area with other parts of Ghana and neighbouring La Côte D'Ivoire, playing a significant role in the socio-economic development of the region.
The call for urgency was made during a visit by Mr Buah to the Chief's Palace, part of the MP's constituency tour. Nana Kwagyan III emphasized the bridge's importance for the country's international trade and stressed the need for collaboration between the MP and relevant authorities to prevent the bridge's potential collapse.
Responding, Mr Buah, who also serves as the Minority Leader in Parliament, shared that he had already raised concerns with the Minister of Roads and Highways regarding the initiation of repair works on the Ankobra Bridge. According to Mr Buah, the Minister disclosed that the bridge's renovation was included in a contract for three bridges. However, the project has been delayed due to unsecured loan funding.
Despite these challenges, the government remains determined to find alternative solutions to commence the bridge's renovation. Mr. Buah highlighted the critical nature of the bridge for economic transactions between Ghana and other West African countries, cautioning that any collapse would severely disrupt both inter and intra-national commerce.
Insiders from the Ministry of Roads and Highways have assured that plans are underway to start repair works on the bridge promptly, aiming to secure the vital economic link and prevent any adverse impacts on the region's development and connectivity.
