Akyem-Akropong to get new bridge

Akyem-Akropong (E/R), Aug. 13, GNA - The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, on Friday broke the ground for work to begin on a GHC 570,000 bridge over River Mrepong to link Akyem Akropong and Larbikrom.

The bridge would replace the old Bailey bridge that collapsed over 10 years ago and would create a shorter link between the Atiwa area and Kyebi without going through Anyinam.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said it was the desire of the government to open up the rural areas.

He appealed to the contractor to engage the youth in the area on the job so that part of the cost of the project could be channelled into the local economy.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo appealed to the traditional authorities and the youth to support the project for it to be completed at the stipulated 12 months period.

The chiefs in the area appealed to the regional minister to get the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to connect electricity to the area.

They said area had already been connected to the national grid and the people had bought and fixed their meters and did not understand why the ECG was delaying in getting them power.

They also called for the provision of portable water since the rivers in the area had been polluted through the activities of illegal miners.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo later inaugurated a GHC 206,000 lorry park, stores and public places of convenience at Anyinam.

Speaking at the ceremony the District Chief Executive for Atiwa, Mr Emmanuel Atta-Twum, said the project was initiated in 2008 and his office continued it on assumption of office.

He explained that the project formed part of four others in the district that were sponsored by the German government and promised that the assembly would set up a management team to ensure effective management of the facility.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo appealed to the various transport unions not to allow their differences to divide them over the use of the lorry park and urged them to work as a team.

On behalf of the Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Council, the Regional Minister donated five packets of roofing sheets while the District Assembly donated 200 bags of cement towards the construction of classrooms for the Anyinam Community Senior High School.