The chief of Mpatuam, Nana Asamoah Tia is being supported by the Executive General Manager of Asanko to commission the bridge.

Asanko mines constructs new bridge for Mpatuam

Daniel Kenu Business News Jul - 08 - 2020 , 14:58

The people of Mpatuam, a mining community in the Amansie West district of the Ashanti region, who were physically cut off from eight adjoining communities for 80 years following a dilapidated single-lane bridge can now heave a sigh of relief.

Thanks to Asanko Gold Mines, the entire township of Mpatuam burst into a joyous mood after it reconstructed and expanded the age-old bridge to connect Mpatuam to the rest of the communities.

The bridge which was constructed in just two months cost $50,000.00.

Now vehicles can move freely from Mpatuam to Bonteso community, Jeninso community, Akataniase community, Kyenkyeniase and Abore communities.

Hitherto, commuters had to carry their wares on their heads to cross the "death trap", especially during the raining season while drivers could not go beyond the bridge.

Track record

The Executive General Manager of Asanko, Mr Charles Amoah, said over the years, the company has built a good track record of community investment.

"When the request was presented to Asanko, we immediately visited the scene and it was clear that the old bridge was really a death trap which posed a safety threat to users. And as a matter of priority, I tasked the Asanko project team to fix it," he said.

Mr Amoah expressed optimism that the intervention will protect the lives of commuters as well as people who live in the vicinity.

He called on drivers to engage in defensive driving in order to protect the lives of the people.

COVID-19

Mr Amoah also seized the opportunity to educate the locals about the reality of COVID-19.

He urged the people to stick to the government's safety protocols to stop the spread of the virus.

Collaboration

The District Chief Executive for Amansie West, Nii Ollenu Lartey, called for more collaboration between government and the private sector to promote development.

He commended Asanko for the initiative and many others which have alleviated the sufferings of the people within its catchment area.

The Assemblyman for the area, Mr Frederick Kwadwo Nkansah (Yentumi) assured Asanko that the assembly has put in place measures to ensure that the bridge was well protected.