White Volta Floods Causes Closure Of Atebubu-Kumasi Highway

The Ghana Highway Authority has been compelled to close a critical portion of the Atebubu-Kumasi Highway in the Bono East Region following the massive flooding of communities by the White Volta.

The flooding, which submerged the Nyomoase Bridge on the Prang-Atebubu stretch of the highway, has cut off several communities along the highway and disrupted the movement of goods and people.

Fortunately, the situation has not claimed any lives. Mr. Emmanuel Okanklu, the Bono East Regional Director of the GHA, confirmed the closure and added that urgent steps have been taken to ensure continuity of transportation. He explained that a diversion route was created to help both motorists and traders who rely on the road daily.

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"The river submerged the Nyomoase Bridge, making it difficult for vehicles to cross; the reduced visibility due to the flooding also poses a danger to drivers," Mr. Okanklu explained. To this end, a cofferdam has been put in place to hold back the water at a lower level than usual and allow some passage of vehicles while further plans are underway to get the highway reopened when the water recedes.

The Bono East Regional Minister, Mr. Kwasi Adu-Gyan, was at the site and assured the public of the determination of the government to revive that important highway as soon as possible. The minister, in addition, called for calm and warned motorists that soon there would be security arrangements put in place to safeguard any awaiting calamity along the route.

Meanwhile, with flooding having disrupted both local communities and economic activities, some efforts are underway to solve the situation and clear this key road.