- Bridge construction in Bankrogya stalled for over a decade
- Rainy season brings safety risks and damages cocoa produce
- Education suffers as students are unable to cross river to attend school
Residents of Bankrogya, a community in the Ejisu Municipality of the Ashanti Region, are grappling with severe transportation difficulties due to an abandoned bridge project left incomplete for over a decade.
The bridge, which began construction nearly 10 years ago, has remained in a deteriorated state, severely impacting daily life, education, commerce, and general movement within the community.
According to locals, the project was initiated by former Ejisu MP, Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, but was halted after he lost his party’s primary to the late John Kumah. Since then, no further work has been done to complete the bridge.
Frustrated residents say the situation becomes especially dangerous during rainy periods.
“Our lives are at risk every time it rains. Transporting cocoa bags across the damaged bridge is a struggle, and our produce often gets ruined,” some lamented.
Despite contributing significantly to the national economy—with an estimated 300 tons of cocoa produced annually—the community continues to be overlooked in terms of infrastructure development.
Residents also emphasized the negative impact on education, noting that many students are forced to abandon school during the rainy season when the river floods, making crossing nearly impossible.
A community opinion leader, Kwabena Nyame, appealed to authorities to consider establishing an electoral area for Bankrogya. He believes this would allow residents to elect their own assembly member, ensuring better representation and advocacy within the Ejisu Municipal Assembly.
