The Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadzo Gyapong, has disclosed that the government will soon cut sod for the construction of a bridge across the Volta Lake, linking Dambai and Kete Krachi.

Speaking on JoyPrime on Tuesday, October 14, Mr Gyapong said "The President is very serious about it (construction of bridge on the lake). I have spoken to the contractor about three weeks ago, and very soon they will come and cut sod for the project."

The project aims to ease transportation challenges faced by residents who currently rely on ferries and canoes to cross the lake.

He noted that the bridge will enhance safety, especially in the wake of the recent boat accident on the lake. At least, 15 people have died, including 11 children over the weekend while travelling on a canoe on the lake near Kete-Krachi.

They were travelling from an island to a nearby island to attend a funeral. According to reports, the canoe was been controlled by an 11 year old boy who also died in the tragedy.

The minister is hopeful that the bridge, once completed, will not only improve connectivity between the southern and northern parts of the Oti Region but also boost economic activities between the region and Ghana’s northern corridor.

Read also: Oti Minister urges VRA to invest in safe lake transport

He assured residents that the government remains committed to delivering the project soon, reaffirming President Mahama’s earlier pledge to include the bridge under his administration’s Big Push infrastructure agenda.

During his "Thank You Tour" in the region in July this year, President Mahama said “I can assure you that this bridge will commence this year, and we will cut the sod for this bridge together.”