The 60-metre-span bridge over the River Whin at Apremdo forms part of the Takoradi–Agona Nkwanta dual carriageway project, a flagship intervention under the Government of Ghana’s ambitious Big Push infrastructure programme.

The bridge is one of three major river crossings being constructed to improve traffic flow and support economic activity along the strategic highway corridor.

Large portions of the riverbank adjacent to the bridge have reportedly been filled with earth to create space for a car washing bay, significantly reducing the width of the watercourse and raising fears of flooding and structural damage.

Officials say the encroachment could force the river to overflow during periods of heavy rainfall, exposing nearby communities to flooding while increasing the risk of erosion around the bridge’s foundation.

The development has also sparked concerns about the long-term stability of the bridge, with experts warning that sustained water pressure and erosion could weaken its supporting pillars if urgent action is not taken.

Officials from the Ghana Highways Authority have described the situation as worrying, stressing that indiscriminate development within waterways poses a direct threat to public infrastructure and the safety of road users.

Chief Executive Officer of JUSTMOH Company Limited, Dr. Justice Amoh, is calling for immediate intervention by the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to halt the encroachment and restore the river to its original course.

“The river must be allowed to flow freely. Any obstruction close to the bridge creates a real risk of flooding and gradual erosion that could undermine the structure. Immediate action is needed to prevent a disaster,” Dr. Amoh appealed.

He urged the relevant authorities to remove the unauthorized structures before the onset of heavy rains, warning that delaying action could have devastating consequences for both the bridge and surrounding communities.

According to him, the newly constructed bridge is a critical transport link for residents and motorists travelling through the area and must be protected from human activities that threaten its lifespan.

The situation has renewed concerns over the growing incidence of unauthorized development along waterways in the Western Region, with stakeholders calling for stricter enforcement of planning regulations to protect public infrastructure and prevent avoidable disasters.

The Takoradi-Cape Coast Road is part of a larger highway that connects the capital city, Accra, to Takoradi. This road is vital because it carries over 90% of goods and passengers traveling to the Western Region of Ghana, including popular tourist spots like Cape Coast and Elmina. Currently, this road is too crowded and often leads to accidents, making travel slow and expensive.

The government sees the construction of a new, wider road as a key project aimed at improving transportation safety, efficiency, and boosting local economies. Roads Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza highlighted the importance of using local companies for the road construction, assuring everyone that the contractors involved have received proper training.

The new road will stretch about 73.6 kilometers from Cape Coast to Takoradi and will be built in sections to speed up the process. It will include three interchanges, four bridges, and facilities for pedestrians.

President Mahama emphasized the need for weight limits on trucks to prevent damage to the roads, noting that some trucks are overloaded by as much as 70 tonnes beyond the legal limit. He assured the public that discussions will take place regarding these new regulations in the upcoming budget announcement.

As the construction begins, the President promised that there would be no delays, with plans to complete the work within 24 months.