Ashanti region: Illegal mining blamed as bridge collapse cuts off Juaben, Bosome Freho communities

Residents of Achiase and Anumso in the Juaben Municipality of the Ashanti Region are calling for the immediate reconstruction of a collapsed bridge linking their communities to the Bosome Freho District, blaming illegal mining activities for the destruction of the vital infrastructure.

The collapse has disrupted movement between the two districts and left residents struggling to access essential services.

The residents told Otec News that they had repeatedly warned authorities about the deteriorating condition of the bridge, insisting that illegal mining activities around the area had weakened its foundation.

“We informed the authorities several times that the bridge was becoming unsafe because of the illegal mining activities around it, but nothing was done. Now the bridge has collapsed, and we are the ones suffering,” a resident said.

They explained that the collapse has severely affected the transportation of foodstuffs, farm produce and other goods, leaving farmers, traders and commercial drivers counting their losses.

Residents also criticised attempts to create a temporary crossing by dumping sand into the collapsed section, saying it blocked the natural flow of the Mentu River and now causes flooding whenever it rains.

“The sand has blocked the river, and now the road becomes completely impassable during heavy rains,” another resident stated.

According to the residents, although some people carefully use the damaged bridge during dry weather, the route becomes inaccessible whenever it floods, effectively cutting off communities from schools, health facilities, farms and markets.

“During the rains, nobody can cross. We become completely isolated until the water goes down,” a resident lamented.

The affected communities are appealing to the Juaben Municipal Assembly and the Bosome Freho District Assembly to urgently construct a durable metal bridge capable of supporting heavy vehicles.

They also called on the authorities to intensify the fight against illegal mining to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“If the illegal mining continues unchecked, even a new bridge could be destroyed again. The authorities must stop the illegal mining activities before it is too late,” the residents appealed.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah