The Member of Parliament for Upper West Akim, Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Drah, has expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama following the commencement of construction works on the long-awaited bridge over the Asuokow River.
His remarks come after the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, officially cut the sod for the project, acting on the directive of President John Dramani Mahama. The bridge is expected to provide a permanent solution to the dangerous crossing that has endangered pupils and residents for years.
The intervention follows public outcry and a viral video that showed schoolchildren balancing on a makeshift log to cross the river. Residents had appealed to the President to fulfil his 2025 pledge to construct a safe bridge after the original log structure was removed, worsening the situation.
Speaking in an interview, Hon. Drah thanked the President for honouring his promise. “We thank the President for going by his word. Just last week, we began the project and contractors are on site. Everything is ongoing. We are happy,” he said, adding that he can now visit the community without facing the frustrations that previously confronted him over the bridge issue.
The MP also highlighted additional development projects underway in the constituency. He revealed that he had used his Common Fund to construct a 12-seater toilet facility for the Asiokow Zongo community, which is about 70 per cent complete and will soon be handed over.
He further disclosed that an ultra-modern CHPS compound, currently about 85 per cent complete, is being constructed to replace the existing facility operating from a private residence, as the landlord has asked health workers to vacate the premises.
Hon. Drah noted that within one year, the community has benefited from three major projects and called on investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the area. He acknowledged ongoing power supply challenges due to population growth but announced that new transformers would soon be installed to ensure stable electricity.
“In a very short time, Adeiso will become a business and investment hub,” he said.
The bridge project, alongside the additional infrastructure initiatives, signals renewed efforts to improve safety, healthcare, sanitation, and economic prospects in Upper West Akim.