Residents of Wassa Amenfi East Municipality in the Western Region are urgently calling on the government to construct a safe crossing bridge over the Ankobra River.
The community, comprising over 5,000 residents, has been forced to navigate the perilous Ankobra River, which separates them from essential services, schools, and markets.
During the rainy season, the river swells, making crossings nearly impossible and isolating the community from the outside world. “We’ve lost count of how many people have fallen into the river or been swept away,” said Hon. Daniel Ayensu.
“Our children risk their lives daily to attend school. We need a bridge to ensure their safety.”
Despite years of petitions to local authorities and the national government, progress has been slow. Residents have resorted to makeshift rafts and wooden planks to cross, but these are inadequate against the raging waters.
Tragically, a few months ago, several people drowned while attempting to cross the river, prompting renewed appeals for a bridge.
“We can’t continue to lose our loved ones,” emphasized Hon. Ayensu, the Assemblyman for Asundua. “We urge the government to prioritize our plea and build a bridge that will connect us to the world.”
Local leaders and residents have organized a series of protests, rallies, and social media campaigns to raise awareness about their plight.
