Illegal mining destroys bridge and isolates Ghana villages
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on MyJoyOnline
Illegal mining caused the collapse of the bridge linking several villages in Abesua, Ghana’s Ashanti Region, to the main road, isolating residents. The loss of access is particularly disrupting pupils’ journeys to school, with some staying home when it rains, MyJoyOnline reports after a visit on 25 October.
The collapse of the bridge over the Kukubu River, attributed to illegal mining activities, has isolated several villages in the Atwima Mponua District of Ghana’s Ashanti Region. The bridge was the only route linking Abesua No. 1, Abesua No. 2, Nyamebekyere, Abrokyire and nearby communities to the main road, according to MyJoyOnline.
The river overflowed onto the road, making it difficult for vehicles and motorbikes to pass. Residents said miners had returned with heavy equipment on 25 October and pushed sand into the riverbed to divert the water, without rebuilding the bridge. The intervention further damaged the road.
The disruption is affecting schooling: pupils travelling to Atwima Asamang primary school sometimes miss classes, particularly when it rains. Children risk falling into the river when crossing it. Parents accompany them, at the expense of their daily activities, and the headteacher of Abesua Primary School, Kwabena Adomako, said the state of the road sometimes forces teachers to turn back.
Traders in the villages say they can no longer easily travel to markets to restock. Those who manage to travel have to pay high transport fares.
