A major transport crisis has hit parts of the Ashanti and Bono East regions following the collapse of the Sataso bridge along the Kumasi-Mampong-Ejura highway after a devastating rainstorm swept through the area.
The incident, which occurred at Sakaso on Friday, March 14, 2025, has completely cut off movement along one of the key transport and agricultural corridors in the middle belt of the country, leaving hundreds of commuters and vehicles stranded on both sides of the damaged stretch.
The heavy rains triggered severe flooding that washed away sections of the road and weakened the bridge structure until it finally gave way, causing transport between Kumasi, Mampong, Ejura, Atebubu, Amanteng and Nkoransa to come to a standstill.
The affected highway serves as a critical route for the transportation of foodstuff and commercial goods from farming communities in the Ashanti and Bono East regions to major markets across the country.
With the bridge now caved in, heavy-duty trucks, commercial drivers and private motorists are being forced to use much longer alternative routes, significantly increasing travel time and transportation costs.
Passengers and drivers stranded at the scene described the situation as frightening and dangerous, warning that the collapsed bridge has become a death trap if urgent intervention is not carried out.
Many commuters expressed frustration over the lack of immediate transportation alternatives, saying the disruption has affected business activities, movement of goods and access to nearby communities.
Residents and travelers are therefore calling on the Government, the Ministry of Roads and Highways, and officials of the Ghana Highways Authority in the Ashanti Region to treat the matter as a national emergency.
According to some road users, the damaged bridge poses a serious threat to lives and highlights growing concerns about the deteriorating state of road infrastructure in parts of the country.
The collapse has particularly affected communities and districts connected through the important corridor, including Ejura, Atebubu, Amanteng and Nkoransa, where economic activities largely depend on smooth transportation access.
In the meantime, travelers heading toward Ejura, Atebubu, Amanteng, Nkoransa and surrounding areas have been advised to use the Kofiase route through Anyinasu, Sekyedumasi and Aframso as an alternative until repair works begin.
Residents are hoping authorities will move swiftly to reconstruct the bridge and restore normal transportation before the situation worsens further.
By 1960news.com
