Ghana losing revenue due to bad bridge over River Boing

Sewum (W/R), June 29, GNA- Mr Steven Frimpong-Boateng, a Custom Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) collector in charge of the Sewum customs collection post in the Aowin-Suaman District has said that the country is losing revenue to the Ivorian Customs due to absence of a bridge over River Boing.

Mr Frimpong-Boateng explained that Ghanaian farmers who live beyond the river are compelled to sell their cocoa and other produce to Ivorians because they were unable to cross the river.

He made this known on Friday when Madam Sophia Horner-Sam, Deputy Western Regional Minister addressed personnel of the Service at the collection point as part of a two-day working visit to the district. He therefore called for immediate construction of a bridge over the river to facilitate trade among people of the area and enhance revenue collection at the point.

Mr Frimpong-Boateng said the distance from Sewum to Abidjan is very short and the provision of a bridge to span the river could facilitate trade, education and cultural exchanges.

Nana Apena II, Chief of Sewum said many Ghanaians who live at Alokenu which is about seven kilometres across the river are gradually losing touch with their relations in Ghana.

He said some cocoa farmers whose lands are beyond the river have had to abandon the farms each time the river overflowed its banks. Madam Sophia Horner-Sam said the construction of the bridge was necessary since it could enhance revenue collection at the Sewum collection point and transforms the social and infrastructure needs of the people living along the river.