In a significant development aimed at enhancing safety and connectivity, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commissioned the newly reconstructed Atafoa Bridge over the Owabi River in the Bantama Constituency of the Ashanti Region. The 40-meter concrete bridge, inaugurated during a colorful ceremony on November 26, 2024, is part of a broader initiative to rehabilitate the Abrepo-Junction-Barekese-Offinso Road.
The reconstruction project, supervised by the Ghana Highway Authority, began in April 2023 and encompasses a four-kilometer stretch of road. The improvements include asphaltic concrete surfacing terminating at Kokoben, roadside concrete drainage systems, and the installation of major culverts to mitigate persistent flooding. Safety enhancements such as road line markings and signs have also been incorporated to ensure safer journeys for motorists and pedestrians.
Speaking at the event, President Akufo-Addo hailed the bridge as a testament to his government’s commitment to fostering connectivity and ensuring the safety of citizens. “This bridge represents more than infrastructure; it symbolizes our dedication to connecting people, places, and opportunities,” he stated.
Mr. Francis Asenso-Boakye, Minister of Roads and Highways, underscored the importance of the reconstruction project in addressing longstanding challenges posed by the Owabi River. He noted that frequent flooding had turned the area into a hazardous zone, resulting in the tragic loss of six lives in 2022 and three more in 2023.
“Over the years, the swelling of the Owabi River during the rainy season has disrupted lives in surrounding communities, necessitating urgent intervention,” Asenso-Boakye explained. He added that the new bridge was designed to meet the highest engineering standards, ensuring durability, resilience, and safety.
The revamped infrastructure is expected to significantly improve the lives of residents in communities such as Bohyen, Abrepo, Atafoa, Ohwim, Amanfrom, Asuofua, Nketia, Adankwame, and Barekese. The bridge will facilitate smoother commutes and bolster economic activities, making it a lifeline for the region.
With the successful completion of this project, the government reaffirms its commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure that connects and empowers communities across Ghana.
Source: Modern Ghana