Work commences on collapsed Dzolokpuita-Akome bridge in Ho West District

Work has finally commenced on the reconstruction of the collapsed Dzolokpuita-Akome bridge in the Ho West District, following an earlier announcement by the District Assembly.

The announcement came in the wake of viral videos showing the cave-in of the bridge, which serves as a major link between Dzolokpuita and Akome. The bridge is frequently used by drivers traveling to and from Ho and other surrounding communities.

Although the Assembly had announced a road closure to allow construction, work was delayed due to consultations on whether the new bridge should be constructed with concrete or steel. The decision was reached after negotiations between the Assembly, the Regional Highways Department, and the Ministry of Roads and Highways.

The delay in the project angered residents of the affected communities, particularly Akome, Gborta, Gbogame, and Agate. Youth groups in these areas had planned a peaceful demonstration to register their displeasure over the slow pace of the reconstruction.

However, progress is now underway following the intervention of key stakeholders. Mr. Kwame Governs Agbodza, Minister for Roads and Highways, Mr. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Member of Parliament for Ho West, and Mr. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, worked together to ensure that steel components and other materials needed for the project were delivered to the site.

A visit to the site on Saturday revealed that construction works have begun. Workers were seen putting up wooden support structures, while building materials for the permanent bridge were also on site.

Present at the site was Alhaji Mukaila Chairman of the Works Sub-Committee and NADMO director of the Ho West District Assembly, who is supervising the progress of work.

Addressing the issue earlier, Hon. Francis Profer Dusey, District Chief Executive for Ho West, appealed to residents of Akome to suspend their planned demonstration. He noted that government had already mobilized resources for the reconstruction of the bridge.

Mr. Dusey expressed surprise at the planned protest despite what he described as significant progress by the Ministry of Roads and Highways and other stakeholders. He disclosed that personnel from the Bridge Maintenance Unit of the Ministry were already on site constructing a temporary wooden bridge to allow motorcycles and other light users to cross while work on the permanent steel bridge continues.

The DCE commended the chiefs and people of Dzolokpuita for their patience and cooperation during the period the bridge remained unmotorable. He acknowledged that residents of Akome had notified the Ghana Police Service at Anyirawase of their intention to demonstrate on Saturday, July 11, 2026, to demand clarity on the project timeline, procurement process, and value for money. He, however, urged them to exercise restraint.

“I want to encourage the people to exhibit patience and give way for development. God has answered our prayers because the process to reconstruct the bridge has begun, and we should all support its successful completion,” Mr. Dusey said. He expressed optimism that the project would restore movement, improve access to social and economic services, and bring lasting relief to residents who have endured months of disruption.

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