The completion of a much-needed bridge in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region has brought joy to the people of Vea and surrounding communities. The bridge, which spans the Vea Irrigation Dam’s spillway, was constructed primarily through donations from a native of the area, Abubakar Atanga, the U.S.-based Real Life Ministry, and community contributions.

Assemblyman Wilbert Apu-usum for the Vea Electoral Area explained that the bridge’s completion marks the end of nearly six decades of dangerous river crossings that cut off thousands of residents from essential services such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities during Ghana’s rainy season.

Since 1965, residents had relied on canoes to access medical facilities, schools, and markets during the six-month rainy season. Canoe operators charged up to 20 cedis ($1.30) to ferry passengers and motorbikes across the spillway, posing significant challenges for residents — including health workers, teachers, and traders.

Apu-usum revealed that teachers and other government workers had been rejecting postings to the Vea community due to the difficulties posed by the river crossings. “The completion of this bridge means a lot not only to the people of Vea but also to the surrounding communities and, in fact, the region at large,” he said.

The bridge project began after the Vea Homecoming Group conceived the idea in 2019 and advocated for government intervention without success. A local resident, Abubakar Atanga, initiated construction using personal resources, prompting Real Life Ministry to step in with major funding support.

Communities surrounding Vea — including Zorko, Nyariga, Balungu, and Gowrie — sent residents to volunteer in the construction work. Church groups, youth organizations, and community members also participated in the effort, making the bridge a symbol of unity, collaboration, and partnership.

The bridge now serves residents across multiple communities who previously faced a choice between dangerous canoe crossings or lengthy detours during flood seasons. “This bridge is a game-changer for our community,” Apu-usum said. “It will improve access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, and we are grateful to all those who contributed to its construction.”

It is worth noting that former Roads and Highways Minister Kwasi Amoako-Atta had promised in 2020 that a government contractor would build a bridge by November 2021, but no work materialized before his government left office in December 2024. The World Bank has since approved $125 million for irrigation infrastructure improvements in the region, though those funds did not cover the spillway bridge.

As a journalist with BlueWaves Radio, I had the opportunity to speak with Assemblyman Apu-usum, who expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the project. The completion of this bridge stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and the profound impact that collective effort can have on improving the lives of residents.

By: Maurice Duncan