The Atafoa bridge over the Owabi River in the Bantama Constituency of the Ashanti Region has been reconstructed to improve commuting and ensure motorists' safety.

The Owabi River often swelled, breaching its banks and causing massive flooding. As a result, three lives were lost last year, and six the previous year, necessitating urgent intervention.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who inaugurated the bridge at a colourful ceremony, said the bridge at a colourful ceremony, said it represented safety and accessibility.

He said the bridge symbolised the government’s commitment to connecting people, places, and opportunities.

The 40-metre concrete bridge is part of a large project to rehabilitate the Abrepo-Junction-Barekese-Offinso Road, which commenced in April 2023 under the supervision of the Ghana Highway Authority.

The scope of work includes rehabilitation of the four-kilometer stretch of the Abrepo-Junction-Barekese Road with asphaltic concrete surfacing terminating at Kokoben.

It also includes the construction of roadside concrete drains and major culverts to address the perennial flooding, road line markings and installation of road signs to enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians.

Mr Francis Asenso-Boakye, the Minister of Roads and Highways, said the reconstruction of the bridge provided the solution to a long-standing challenge of the Owabi River swelling beyond its banks and causing massive flooding in the area.

“Over the years, surrounding communities have faced challenges that made their daily lives difficult particularly during the rainy season when the Owabi River swells beyond its banks, turning this area into a hazard zone,” he said.

The elements combined in the construction of the bridge created a resilient, durable and safe infrastructure that met the highest engineering standards, the Minister said.

He said the bridge would serve as a lifeline and enabler of economic growth, and that people living in areas like Bohyen, Abrepo, Atafoa, Ohwim, Amanfrom, Asuofua, Nketia, Adankwame, Barekese would no longer struggle to cross the Owabi River.