President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to constructing a modern bridge over the Afram River connecting Adawso to Ekye Amanfrom in the Kwahu Afram Plains, marking a significant milestone in his Big Push Infrastructure initiative during his ongoing Thank You Tour of the Eastern Region.
The announcement comes as welcome news to residents of the Afram Plains who have endured decades of transportation challenges, relying solely on an aging pontoon ferry system that has proven both unreliable and dangerous.
The current ferry service, operated by the Volta Lake Transport Company, has been plagued by frequent breakdowns and operates with limited capacity, often stranding passengers and cargo for hours.
The planned infrastructure project involves constructing a 3.6-kilometer bridge over the Afram River, alongside the development of approximately 100 kilometers of road network to fully integrate the Afram Plains with the broader regional economy.
This ambitious undertaking represents one of the flagship projects under President Mahama’s Big Push Agenda, which prioritizes critical infrastructure development across Ghana.
The Afram Plains region, despite its vast agricultural potential and natural resources, has remained largely isolated due to inadequate transportation links.
The current pontoon operates on a single engine after one of its engines was damaged, with crossing times extending beyond 20 minutes, creating significant economic bottlenecks for local farmers and traders seeking to transport their produce to major markets.
Local stakeholders have long advocated for permanent transportation solutions to unlock the region’s economic potential.
The intermittent breakdown of the ferry has severely impacted the transportation of farm produce and health care referrals, with commuters and motorists frequently stranded.
These challenges have particularly affected emergency medical cases requiring urgent referral to health facilities outside the Plains.
The bridge project addresses both economic and social imperatives. Beyond facilitating trade and commerce, the permanent crossing will ensure reliable access to healthcare, education, and other essential services for the approximately 200,000 residents of the Afram Plains.
The construction will also create substantial employment opportunities for local communities during the implementation phase.
President Mahama had previously pledged during his 2024 campaign that the Afram Plains road and bridge would be his top priority under his Big Push Agenda, demonstrating consistency in his infrastructure development vision.
The project’s revival signals renewed government commitment to addressing longstanding regional development disparities.
The Afram River bridge represents more than infrastructure development; it symbolizes the government’s dedication to connecting marginalized communities to mainstream economic opportunities, ensuring that no region is left behind in Ghana’s development trajectory.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
