Police arrest four suspects over Abesua bridge collapse

Police have arrested four individuals, including two local Unit Committee members, following the collapse of a critical bridge over the River Kukubu in the Atwima Mponua District. The arrests were made after illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, undermined the bridge's structural integrity, eventually causing it to fail. The two committee members are accused of leasing land to the illegal miners whose operations destroyed the infrastructure, while the other two suspects were identified as active miners at the site.

The destruction of the bridge in the Abesua Electoral Area has severely disrupted the lives of residents in several surrounding communities. The severed link has paralyzed local economic activities, preventing farmers from transporting produce to markets and cutting off access to essential services. Residents have reported significant challenges in accessing healthcare and education, with children unable to reach schools safely. District Chief Executive Ibrahim Issahak confirmed that the arrests were part of an immediate response to the environmental and infrastructural damage caused by the unauthorized mining.

President John Mahama and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, intervened in the matter following media reports detailing the plight of the affected communities. President Mahama highlighted the importance of government responsiveness to citizen concerns raised through public platforms and digital monitoring. In response to the crisis, authorities have deployed personnel to begin emergency repairs, which involve draining overflow water and graveling the damaged road sections to restore temporary access for the residents.

While the emergency works are underway, the community remains concerned about the long-term safety of the area and potential intimidation from illegal mining operators. Local leaders have called for stronger protective measures and a permanent bridge reconstruction to ensure the sustainability of their livelihoods. The District Assembly has promised to pursue legal action against all suspects involved and has tasked engineers with developing a permanent solution to restore the vital transport link.