Mr Guggisberg Fiagbenu, Assembly Member for the Adidome Central Electoral Area and Chairman of the Adidome–Juapong Transport Union, has called on government and the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) to expedite the inspection, commissioning and formal opening of the newly completed Aklakpa and Tsetsekpo bridges along the Adidome–Juapong stretch in the Central Tongu district of the Volta Region.

In a statement, Mr Fiagbenu underscored the collective commitment that has driven the reconstruction and rehabilitation works, describing the progress as evidence of government’s attentiveness to the development priorities of communities within the Tongu enclave.

Reflecting on the journey, he recalled that after the collapse of the Aklakpa bridge, he called for government intervention.

Mr Fiagbenu noted that a similar advocacy effort was mounted to ensure the Tsetsekpo bridge was upgraded to the same standard as Aklakpa.

That appeal, he said, was heeded by government, culminating in extensive rehabilitation and expansion works.

Despite intermittent pauses during construction, both bridges have now been completed, a position confirmed by Mr Appiani and the project supervisor, Mr Jonas Asamoa Peprah.

He disclosed that his office had written to the Volta Regional Directorate of the GHA seeking guidance on the timelines and procedures for commissioning and handover, but is yet to receive a response. Such clarity, he stressed, would enable the community to plan effectively and ensure orderly use of the infrastructure.

Mr Fiagbenu expressed gratitude to government, the GHA and all stakeholders for their sustained efforts to enhance road safety and mobility. He explained that the appeal for prompt commissioning is driven by the need to avert avoidable disruptions, particularly as the alternative route remains in a deplorable state.

Commending the engineers and project supervisors for their professionalism and cooperation, he noted that limited access had been granted on sections of the bridges to ease movement, with his office supporting minor works on the approach roads where necessary.

As part of the enclave’s contribution to national recovery efforts, Mr Fiagbenu announced that the transport union implemented a five per cent reduction in fares effective December 8, 2025, aimed at supporting economic stability in the area.

However, he observed that recent misunderstandings over access to the bridges had sparked tensions among sections of the youth. He appealed for calm and urged all parties to exercise restraint while awaiting official guidance from the relevant authorities.

Reiterating his call, Mr Fiagbenu urged government and the GHA to fast-track the inspection and commissioning processes, expressing confidence that continued engagement would yield outcomes beneficial to commuters and the wider Tongu area. He added that the community remains committed to collaborative engagement and views the commissioning as a critical milestone towards improved connectivity and economic growth.

The Ghana News Agency also reached out to the regional management of the GHA and Mr Roland Appiani, who appealed to residents to exercise patience, noting that preparations for the commissioning are ongoing. They indicated that the final works on the access road have been awarded to a contractor, expected to resume shortly to complete outstanding tasks ahead of the formal opening.

Mr Fiagbenu, however, appealed to GHA management to conclude the final inspection and commissioning within one week, emphasising that prompt action would ease persistent transport challenges and provide long-awaited closure on the project. He added that should there be no response after the one-week window, the community may consider a peaceful demonstration to amplify its concerns.

He stressed that any such action would be a last resort, firmly anchored in respect for the law and a commitment to constructive, solution-driven engagement.