The Deplorable State of the Lower Volta Bridge; A Cause for Alarm

The Lower Volta Bridge which stretches over the Volta Lake from Sogakope on one end (from Aflao) and Sokpoe (from Accra) on the other is in a deplorable state and needs urgent attention. This bridge not only connects these two towns but is an international highway that connects Nigeria, Togo and Benin to the capital city-Accra- and many parts of the country.

It is a cause to worry about as the bridge is getting dilapidated and nothing seems to be done about it. Expansion gaps are widening due to the wearing away of rubber bands between the gaps. Most of them have completely worn out whiles others are on the verge of wearing out completely.

Motorists, especially commercial motorbike riders (known as Okada riders) have to dodge these ditches, sometimes veering as far as into the lane of oncoming vehicles. This endangers them and their passengers.

Consequently, this has resulted in series of fatal accidents over the years, most of which involved motor riders.

About five deaths have been recorded out of the numerous accidents on the bridge which were assessed to be as a result of riders dodging these ditches. The most recent one being a young man (believed to be about 20 years) who died two days ago in a horrible motor accident in the evening on the bridge.

The accident involved two motorbikes that run into each other from opposite directions killing the boy instantly as he was believed to have hit his head against one of the concrete barricade along the walkway. The rest have sustained series of severe injuries and are receiving treatment at the hospital.

Pathetically, nothing seems to be done about this situation which poses serious death threats to both drivers and passengers. The authorities concerned are not up to the task. But how long would we wait without doing anything about this? Are we waiting for more fatal accidents to happen before we come out with pity-party and blame games?

The whole bridge needs maintenance works to be done on it. Sometimes when heavy duty vehicles drive on the bridge, it sends vibrations through its structure.

The entire street lights on the bridge have stopped working for a long while now with some of the poles posing as potential threats to life. Because of the darkness that engulfs the bridge at night, some people, especially the youth have resorted to all sorts of social vices on the bridge. It is very appalling to say the least. One could also be exposed to attacks on the bridge at the middle of the night as there seems to be no escape route.

We are appealing to the Ghana Highway Authority and the sector ministry to do something about this situation before the next calamity befalls us. A loss of a single life is a big loss to a family, our society and the nation at large.