The residents of Koforidua Okorase in the Akuapem North district of the Eastern Region are demonstrating over the collapse of a bridge that links the community to another major community.
The Queen mother of Okorase Domeabra, Nana Oyi Asiwa Ampem, said the bridge was established in 1808 and links Koforidua Okorase to Suhum.
Moreover, the bridge has killed eight children and as a matter of concern, she wrote letters to the Presidency about its deplorable state which could lead to its collapse at any moment, but there was no reply to any of her letters.
“On the 21st of June and July 28, I sent petitions to the presidency but until now we have received no replies. Just last two weeks we heard the bridge had broken, when we attempted to cross to the other side, it was impossible.
“Now the Densu river has washed away part of the bridge because people who were determined cross to the other side used it, further breaking it down,” she expressed her grievances.
Meanwhile, farm produce from the Okorase community transported from the community to other parts of the country including Madina and Kasoa in Accra Greater and Central Regions, respectively for marketing, have for the past two weeks been left to rot, due to the collapse of the bridge.
Residents who expressed their frustrations said children are unable to go to school while pregnant women cannot cross the river to visit a hospital at Koforidua or Suhum for medical attention, hence the need for the government to take it as matter of urgency and come to their aid.
“What we are asking for is that the Member of Parliament, the Municipal Chief Executive and the President come to our aid to solve the problem for us. We are stranded here and this bridge is 213 years old, from 1808 which is no joke,” the queen mother added.
