The Assembly Member for the Yiwabra Electoral Area in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region, Stephen Kwofie, has expressed concern that candidates preparing for the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) may be unable to take part if the Disue River bridge collapses.
The Disue Bridge, located in Yiwabra, is the only access route connecting the community to surrounding towns in both the Western and Western North Regions. Its worsening condition is endangering the lives of residents and commuters who rely on it daily.
Serving as a critical link between Yiwabra and towns such as Samreboi in the Amenfi West Municipality, as well as communities like Omanpe, Ohiamadwene, and Domerabra, the bridge has been in a deplorable state for months. This has raised serious safety concerns among locals.
In addition to the immediate danger to human life, the deteriorating bridge has significantly disrupted economic activities. Cocoa farmers, in particular, are struggling to transport their produce to market centers, affecting their livelihoods.
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In an interview, Mr. Kwofie warned that the unsafe bridge could prevent BECE candidates from reaching their examination centers, jeopardizing their academic future.
“As adults in the community, we are often forced to wait at the edge of the bridge to carry children across safely,” he said. “Just today, extra classes for BECE candidates had to be cancelled because of the bridge. These students are preparing for a major examination, and this disruption is a serious setback.”
The Chief of Yiwabra, Nana Kwabena, also voiced deep concern about the toll the bridge’s condition is taking on the community. He highlighted the hardship farmers face due to their inability to transport goods.
“Many of our people travel to nearby towns to trade and bring back goods, but the current poor state of the bridge makes that impossible. We trade with Samreboi and several other neighboring communities, and Yiwabra serves as a vital connection point. We are therefore appealing to the government to urgently reconstruct the bridge. If nothing is done, the consequences for our people will be severe.”
Residents are calling on the authorities to take swift action to address the issue before it results in further damage, including the potential loss of lives.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Jospeh Kobina Amuah
