Why Accra Mayor has ordered temporal closure of Kaneshie footbridges

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has directed the immediate closure of the Kaneshie footbridges following the discovery of severe structural defects during an inspection exercise.

According to a report by adomonline.com, the decision was announced on April 1, 2026, as part of efforts to prevent potential disasters and safeguard the lives of commuters who rely on the busy pedestrian structures daily.

Addressing traders and commuters at the site, the mayor ordered the immediate evacuation of all persons occupying portions of the bridges, warning that defiance of the directive would attract legal consequences.

“Individuals who defy the directive or attempt to use the bridges unlawfully would face legal action,” he warned.

He stressed that public safety remains a top priority and cannot be compromised under any circumstances.

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Kpakpo Allotey disclosed that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly will initiate urgent repair works using its Internally Generated Funds, while engaging the central government for additional financial support.

He explained that sections of the bridges have deteriorated significantly, with broken concrete exposing metal reinforcements, an indication of structural weakness that requires immediate intervention.

As part of wider measures to address unsafe infrastructure across the capital, the mayor announced a coordinated inspection exercise with other local authorities in areas such as Adenta, School Junction, Dansoman and Agbogbloshie.

The exercise will be led by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, and is expected to identify and deal with unsafe structures, with possible demolition of non-compliant developments.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Ablekuma Central, Frank Nkansah, attributed the deterioration of the footbridges to years of unauthorised trading activities, which have hindered maintenance efforts and contributed to structural damage.

Supporting the directive, the Director of Urban Roads, James Oduro Amoo-Gottfried, confirmed that the bridges are in poor conditions and require urgent rehabilitation.

He added that temporary pedestrian crossings will be created along the median of the Dr Busia Highway to ensure the safe movement of commuters while repair works are ongoing.

MRA/AE

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