The Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr. Kwasi Amoako-Attah, has provided reassurance to travelers regarding the safety of the Sogakope bridge amidst rising water levels caused by the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams into the Volta River.
Addressing concerns about the safety of Ghana’s longest bridge, which has been affected by the rising water, Mr. Amoako-Attah emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring the bridge’s safety.
He highlighted the extensive maintenance the bridge has received since its commissioning in 1967.
“This is the longest bridge over water in our country and the government will not allow anything to happen to the bridge. The government is working collaboratively with all key stakeholders to address the issue. The government is on top of the issues and the President is very particular on this issue.”
“This bridge is part of our program even before the advent of this disaster. The major activity on the bridge is to change all 18 expansion joints and we have entered an agreement with MC company based in Tema. We signed an MoU with them about three months ago. Work will start very soon,” he added.
Acknowledging the critical nature of the Sogakope bridge, Mr. Amoako-Attah assured that the government, in collaboration with key stakeholders, is actively addressing the issue.
He emphasized the President’s keen interest in the matter and mentioned frequent inspections of the bridge by engineers.
The Minister detailed plans for the rehabilitation of the bridge, including the replacement of all 18 expansion joints, which had been part of their program even before the recent disaster.
He noted the agreement with a Tema-based company for the rehabilitation work, which is set to commence soon.
Mr. Amoako-Attah assured that the Ministry is closely coordinating with the Volta River Authority (VRA) to monitor the water levels and ensure safety. He mentioned ongoing efforts to manage aquatic weeds and other impediments to the water flow.
Expressing gratitude to various stakeholders, including the canoe fishermen association, for their support, the Minister promised that roads affected by the flooding would be repaired.
He affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the issue comprehensively, emphasizing that affected roads would be fixed after the resolution of the flood situation.
“At the end of this problem, the government will take a general look at all the roads affected. I want to assure the people on behalf of the government that at the end of this my ministry and its stakeholders will ensure the roads are fixed.”
The flooding has affected over 3,000 people in Central Tongu and led to the displacement of over 4,000 individuals in North Tongu.
St. Kizito Senior High School in Mepe, North Tongu District, is providing refuge to the largest number of victims, with support and relief efforts from organizations such as VRA, NADMO, and various security services.