Bankrogya Residents Appeal to Government for Bridge Construction and Basic Amenities
Residents of Asuosunso Bankrogya in the Ejisu Municipality of the Ashanti Region are urgently appealing to the government for the construction of a bridge over a river that has become a life-threatening obstacle, especially during the rainy season.
According to residents, the absence of a bridge has made movement extremely difficult and dangerous, often cutting them off from essential services such as healthcare, education, and access to markets whenever the river floods. The situation becomes particularly dire during emergencies involving the sick or pregnant women in labour.
“We struggle to cross when it rains. If someone falls sick or a pregnant woman is due and the river floods, there’s no way out. We just have to wait and pray nothing happens,” a concerned resident told Newsmen during a recent visit to the community.
The residents also raised alarm over the destruction of the river due to illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey. The river, which once served as the community’s main source of drinking water, has now been polluted beyond use. Residents are now forced to walk more than three kilometers daily to fetch clean water from neighboring villages.
“Our river is destroyed by galamsey. It’s no longer safe for drinking, so we walk long distances just to get clean water,” another resident lamented.
Bankrogya is a well-known cocoa farming community that contributes significantly to Ghana’s cocoa production, producing several tons annually. Despite their vital role in the agricultural sector, residents say they have long been neglected in terms of infrastructure and basic social amenities.
In addition to the bridge, the residents are appealing for the provision of boreholes to ensure access to safe drinking water, as well as the construction of a health center to serve the community and nearby areas.
“We are farmers and we support the economy with our cocoa, but we are suffering. We need the government to fix our bridge, give us clean water, and build a clinic,” a community elder pleaded.
With the rainy season still ongoing, residents fear the situation could worsen if their concerns are not addressed urgently. They are calling on the Ejisu Municipal Assembly, the Ministry of Roads and Highways, and relevant authorities to intervene and bring much-needed relief to the community.
