Four people — two galamsey operators and two Unit Committee members in Abesua — have been arrested and are in police custody following the Ghanakoma Morning Show on Akoma 87.9 FM’s comprehensive report on the destruction of the only access bridge linking several communities in the Abesua Electoral Area of the Atwima Mponua District in the Ashanti Region.
The development follows the intervention of the Atwima Mponua District Assembly after the report highlighted how illegal mining activities had cut off residents from essential services, markets and farmlands.
The Ghanakoma Morning Show team can confirm that authorities have begun remedial works on the damaged road, with the water that had overflowed onto the stretch drained and the clogged bridge cleared.
The affected section is also being gravelled with boulders to improve access, while four suspects have been arrested in connection with the illegal mining activities and are currently in police custody.
Speaking on the Ghanakoma Morning Show on Akoma 87.9 FM in Kumasi with Sir John on Friday, October 30, 2026, the District Chief Executive for Atwima Mponua, Ibrahim Issahak, commended the team for their good work.
“On behalf of the affected communities, I want to use your big platform to thank you for the good work during the difficult period. We are indeed grateful for your efforts. We will continue to work with you and bring development to our communities. Your comprehensive and exclusive report caught the attention of the authorities to fix the problem,” he said.
He said the Assembly acknowledged the report, confirming that the situation had been brought to his attention and citing the Ghanakoma coverage as an example of how public concerns reach his administration.
He confirmed that the runoff had been drained from the road, the clogged bridge cleared, and work on the affected stretch commenced.
Residents of Abesua No. 1, Abesua No. 2, Nyamebekyere, Abrokyire and adjoining communities had been left virtually isolated after illegal mining activities caused the collapse of the bridge over River Kukubu.
The bridge served as the only access route connecting the communities to the main road at Serebuoso and Mankranso.
The Ghanakoma Morning Show team on Akoma 87.9 FM, since Monday, October 26, 2026, visited the area and revealed that the bridge had completely caved in after illegal miners allegedly excavated and degraded land along the riverbanks.
The resulting overflow submerged sections of the road, making it difficult for vehicles and motorcycles to access the communities.
Residents also disclosed that some miners returned to the site on Sunday evening, October 25, 2026, with heavy machinery and attempted to redirect the water by pushing sand into the river channel, without reconstructing the collapsed bridge.
The situation severely affected education, with pupils who commute daily to Atwima Asamang Basic School reportedly abandoning classes, particularly during periods of rainfall, because they could not cross the river.
Community members were also equally grateful to the Ghanakoma Morning Show team for the good work done.
By Benjamin Aidoo
