A 17-year-old student of Nkwanta Senior High School in the Oti Region has drowned at Gyelen Bridge in the Bontibor farming community.

The tragedy occurred on Monday, August 17, as the student was returning from the farm.

The bridge, constructed about a year ago, had collapsed following recent torrential rains, cutting off the community from commercial activities. Residents had long complained about the poor quality of materials used in the construction, but their concerns went unaddressed.

Confirming the incident to Adom News, the Assembly Member for Bontibor/Salifukrom Electoral Area, Frank Yeboah, attributed the disaster to poor construction and lack of oversight.

He blamed the contractor’s negligence for the death of the young student, who was in his second year at Nkwanta SHS.

The swollen river contributed to the disaster, leaving residents stranded and vulnerable. Mr Yeboah has called on the government and relevant agencies to urgently construct a new bridge to enable farmers to transport their produce to market centres. He also highlighted that pregnant women, the sick, and those in need of necessities are unable to access nearby hospitals and essential services.

Nana Obirikiti Amanado, Paramount Chief of the Ntrubo North Traditional Area and grandfather of the deceased, expressed shock at the tragic loss. He said complaints about the bridge had gone unanswered for over 13 months, despite repeated appeals to the contractor and the then ruling NPP government.

The chief urged President John Dramani Mahama and his NDC government to take immediate action, stressing that the community cannot continue losing lives, particularly women and children.

He further noted that the poor state of roads from Brewaniase through Pusupu to Bontibor and Salifu-Krom continues to threaten the safety and livelihoods of residents.