Galamsey collapses Achiase-Anumso bridge as residents for urgent reconstruction

Residents of Achiase and Anumso in the Juaben Municipality of the Ashanti Region are calling for the immediate reconstruction of a collapsed bridge connecting their communities to the Bosome Freho District, saying the damage has severely disrupted transportation and economic activities.

The residents attribute the collapse of the bridge to illegal mining (galamsey) activities in the area, alleging that the operations weakened the structure's foundation and eventually led to its failure.

Speaking to the Daily Guide, some residents said they had repeatedly alerted the relevant authorities to the deteriorating condition of the bridge before it gave way, but no action was taken.

“We informed the authorities several times that the bridge was becoming unsafe because of the illegal mining activities around it, but nothing was done. Now the bridge has collapsed, and we are the ones suffering,” a resident lamented.

The collapse has left farmers, traders and commercial transport operators stranded, disrupting the movement of foodstuffs, farm produce and other goods between the Juaben Municipality and the Bosome Freho District.

Residents also expressed concern over attempts to create a temporary crossing by filling the damaged section with sand, arguing that the measure has blocked the natural flow of the Mentu River and increased the risk of flooding whenever it rains heavily.

They are urging the Juaben Municipal Assembly and the Bosome Freho District Assembly to urgently construct a durable metal bridge capable of supporting heavy-duty vehicles to restore access between the two areas.

The communities further appealed to the government and relevant state agencies to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining, warning that any new infrastructure could also be destroyed if the activities continue unchecked.

“If the illegal mining continues unchecked, even a new bridge could be destroyed again. The authorities must act now before it is too late,” the residents cautioned.