Scores of motorists and commuters travelling between Kumasi, Mampong and Ejura have once again been left stranded after the Sataso Bridge collapsed following hours of heavy rainfall on Thursday, June 11.
The bridge, which was undergoing reconstruction after a similar collapse last month, gave way before work could be completed, disrupting movement along one of the major road networks connecting parts of the Ashanti and Bono East regions.
The Sataso Bridge first collapsed on May 18 after heavy rains, cutting off access along the busy Kumasi-Mampong-Ejura highway and affecting residents, traders, farmers and motorists who depend on the route for transportation and economic activities.
In response to the earlier collapse, contractors were mobilised to the site the following day to begin reconstruction works aimed at restoring traffic flow and easing the burden on commuters.
However, before the project could be completed, the bridge caved in once again after hours of continuous rainfall, leaving sections of the road submerged and impassable.
Some people have abandoned their journeys while others are waiting to see what happens next.
A commuter, Abbas Issah described the situation as frustrating.
“We have been here for 5 hours and there is no way for vehicles to cross.”
Another motorist, James Kwarteng expressed concern about the recurring nature of the problem.
“This is the second time the bridge has collapsed within a month. We need a permanent solution because this road is very important to businesses and travelers.”
The latest collapse has forced many motorists to consider longer and more expensive alternative routes before reconnecting to roads leading to Ejura, Atebubu and Yeji.
A commercial driver, Nsiah Osei lamented the impact on transport operators.
“The diversion will increase fuel costs and travel time. Passengers are already complaining, and many of us are losing money because of the delay.”
Amid the disruption, some youth in the area stepped in to assist stranded commuters and pedestrians, helping them cross from one side of the damaged road to the other.
Responding to concerns, Mampong Municipal Chief Executive, Yakubu Issifu assured road users that the Assembly was working closely with engineers and contractors to assess the damage and restore access as quickly as possible.
“We understand the inconvenience this has caused motorists and residents. Engineers and contractors are already assessing the situation, and we will do everything possible to restore movement and ensure a lasting solution.”
For now, commuters remain stranded, businesses have been disrupted, and residents are anxiously awaiting a lasting solution to a problem that has twice cut off a major transportation link within less than a month.
