President John Dramani Mahama has announced that construction of a long-anticipated bridge over the River Afram will soon commence, with contractors expected to move to the site in the coming weeks.

According to the President, the project has been awarded to construction firm Sonitra, which will undertake the building of the bridge to connect Adawso and the Afram Plains.

Speaking in the Afram Plains South Constituency at a sod-cutting ceremony to begin the construction of a Farmer Service Centre in the area and other parts of the country,, President Mahama noted that the project will eliminate the long-standing reliance on the pontoon ferry used by residents to cross the river—a system he described as unreliable and unsafe.

He recounted a recent incident involving the ferry, where only one engine was functional, causing the pontoon to drift off course and nearly be carried away by the current until fishermen intervened.

“I promised you during our campaign, and I am happy to announce that we have awarded the contract. Very soon, the contractor will move to the site to begin construction of the bridge,” he said to cheers from residents.

The President emphasized that the bridge will significantly improve connectivity between the Eastern, Ashanti, and Oti regions, making the movement of people and goods more efficient.

Beyond easing transportation challenges, the project is expected to open up the Afram Plains for large-scale agriculture and attract investment in agro-processing, boosting economic activity in the area.

Residents have long called for a permanent solution to replace the ferry system, which is often affected by mechanical faults and weather conditions. The proposed bridge is therefore seen as a major infrastructure intervention that could transform livelihoods and enhance regional integration.