Residents and students of Akim Nyanoa in the Upper West Akim District of the Eastern Region have been left stranded following the collapse of a major bridge that connects the farming community to parts of the Central and Eastern regions.
The collapsed bridge, which serves as a vital route for residents, farmers, traders, students, and commercial drivers, has cut off easy movement in the area, creating serious transportation challenges for the community.
Akim Nyanoa, a densely populated farming community, has for years struggled with poor access to basic social amenities and infrastructure.
Residents say the deteriorating condition of the bridge had become a major concern long before its eventual collapse.
Speaking to the media, residents and students described the situation as worrying and dangerous, stressing that their lives are now at risk as they are forced to find alternative and unsafe routes to cross.
According to them, vehicles can no longer use the bridge, leaving passengers stranded and disrupting economic activities in the area.
Farmers are also reportedly facing difficulties transporting their produce to nearby markets, while school children are struggling to access educational facilities.
The affected residents appealed to the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Emmanuel Kwesi Drah, to urgently intervene and help reconstruct the bridge before a major tragedy occurs.
“We are suffering because of the collapse of the bridge. School children cannot cross safely and drivers are unable to use the road. We are pleading with the authorities to come to our aid immediately,” some residents lamented.
The Chief of Akim Nyanoa, Barima Opoku Okyere, also expressed deep concern over the development in an interview with Onua News.
He called on government and relevant authorities to treat the issue as an emergency due to its impact on the lives and livelihoods of the people.
Residents fear that continued neglect of the situation could worsen the hardships facing the community, especially during the rainy season when crossing becomes even more dangerous.
Report by Nana Yaw Asare.
