The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) engineers have commenced feasibility studies for the construction of a bridge in Asuokow, a community in the Eastern Region, following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama. This intervention comes after a viral video highlighted the daily struggles of schoolchildren who risk their safety crossing a dangerous stream to attend school.
The distressing footage, which circulated widely on social media, showed children wading through the water, sometimes using unstable makeshift crossings. The video sparked national outrage, with many Ghanaians calling on the government to take immediate action to ensure the safety of these young students. In response, President Mahama directed the military’s engineering team to assess the situation and determine the best way to construct a permanent bridge.
A team of engineers from the GAF has already visited the site, engaging with local leaders and assessing the terrain. Their feasibility study will determine the structural requirements, materials, and construction timeline needed to build a safe and durable bridge. The involvement of military engineers highlights the urgency and seriousness with which the government is treating this issue.
Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah confirmed the military’s engagement, emphasizing that the government is committed to resolving the problem as quickly as possible. “Engineers of the Ghana Armed Forces have been deployed to Asuokow to assess the situation and ensure that schoolchildren no longer have to put their lives at risk to access education,” he stated.
In addition to the military’s efforts, Eastern Regional Minister Rita Adjei Awatey also visited the community to meet with the affected children and assure residents of swift government intervention. She reiterated that President Mahama’s directive is part of a broader effort to eliminate barriers to education, ensuring that no child’s safety is compromised in the pursuit of learning.
The initiative aligns with the government’s “Reset Ghana” agenda, which aims to enhance infrastructure, particularly in underserved communities. By addressing critical challenges such as this, the government hopes to create a safer and more accessible learning environment for children across the country.
Residents of Asuokow have expressed their gratitude for the swift response, hopeful that the construction of a proper bridge will mark the beginning of more infrastructural improvements in their community. As feasibility studies continue, all eyes will be on the government to ensure that this promise translates into tangible action, securing a safer future for the children of Asuokow.
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