The chief and queen mother of Akwansrem in the Adansi Asokwa district of the Ashanti Region have appealed to the government to urgently intervene in fixing the deteriorating wooden footbridge over the Prekum River.
They warned that its current state poses a serious threat to lives and livelihoods.
According to the traditional leaders, the bridge serves as the only access route for many farmers who rely on it daily to reach their farmlands and sustain their families.
Speaking shortly after his official swearing-in before the Adansihene, Opagyakotewere Bonsra Afriyie II, the Chief of Akwansrem, Nana Annor Berima II, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, described the structure as weak and unstable.
He said crossing the river has become “extremely difficult and dangerous”, particularly during the rainy season when the river overflows and the fragile wooden planks become slippery and unsafe for residents.
Nana Annor Berima II stressed that agriculture remains the backbone of Akwansrem’s local economy and warned that any disruption to farming activities would directly affect household incomes and food production.
“Our farmers depend on this bridge every day for survival. If something is not done urgently, we risk accidents that could claim lives and worsen poverty in the community,” he stated, calling for the construction of a durable and modern bridge.
Beyond the bridge crisis, the chief also drew attention to other developmental challenges confronting the community, including the lack of proper sanitation facilities and the absence of a designated marketplace.
He explained that these infrastructural deficits continue to hinder economic growth and undermine efforts to improve living standards for residents.
Echoing the chief’s concerns, the Queen Mother of Akwansrem, Nana Adutwumwaa Bentre II, urged the government and the Adansi Asokwa District Assembly to prioritise the development needs of the area.
“Providing essential infrastructure will not only safeguard lives but also stimulate economic progress,” she said.
The traditional authorities expressed optimism that their concerns would receive prompt attention and reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively with government agencies and development partners to advance sustainable development in Akwansrem.
Story by Francis Appiah
