Kadjebi: Stakeholders at a District Child Protection Committee meeting in Kadjebi in the Oti Region, have called for the construction of a bridge over the River Asukwakwa at Dodo-Bethel to improve access to communities in the area.
According to Ghana News Agency, the absence of a bridge over the river has made movement to and from Dodo-Bethel, Dodo-Berkpo, Asante Kofe, Kubease, and other adjoining communities difficult, particularly during the rainy season. The stakeholders highlighted that whenever it rains heavily and the river overflows its banks, residents, including schoolchildren, often find themselves stranded and unable to cross to access essential services.
The stakeholders indicated that the current situation affects the education of children, as pupils sometimes remain at home whenever the river becomes impassable. They expressed concern over the safety of residents, with reports of some individuals losing their lives while attempting to cross the river.
Responding to these concerns, Mr. Gregory Aeibo Kanchebe Tonozie, the Kadjebi District Planning Officer, revealed that the construction of a bridge at the location has been included in the Assembly's 4-year (2026-2029) Medium-Term Development Plan. He emphasized the Assembly's recognition of the bridge's importance to the socio-economic development of the affected communities and their commitment to securing the necessary resources for its construction. Additionally, Mr. Tonozie mentioned plans to connect the communities to the national electricity grid to enhance living conditions and support economic activities.
Mr. Emmanuel Denyo, the Assemblyman for the Dodo-Bethel/Berkpo Electoral Area, confirmed the challenges faced by residents due to the absence of a bridge and the poor state of the road. He told the Ghana News Agency that residents are sometimes cut off from the rest of the district when the river overflows its banks, making it difficult to access schools, markets, health facilities, and other essential services. Mr. Denyo recounted a tragic incident where two people lost their lives about a year ago while attempting to cross the river.
The situation poses a significant concern for sick individuals, pregnant women, children, and other vulnerable residents needing urgent medical attention at St. Mary Theresa Catholic Hospital at Dodi-Papase or Kadjebi. There have been reports of residents losing their lives while attempting to seek medical attention due to the poor state of the road and the absence of a bridge.
Mr. Denyo appealed to the Kadjebi District Assembly, the Oti Regional Coordinating Council, the Government, and development partners to prioritize the construction of the bridge and improvement of the road network to the affected communities. He emphasized that providing the bridge would not only improve access to healthcare and education but also facilitate the movement of farm produce and promote economic activities in the area. Mr. Denyo urged stakeholders to treat the project as an urgent development need, stating that its completion would significantly improve the safety and livelihoods of residents.