John Mahama pledges to revive Afram River bridge project to boost regional development

John Dramani Mahama, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to prioritise the construction of a bridge over the Afram River in the Eastern Region if elected president.

Mahama emphasised that the bridge would improve transportation, enabling the swift movement of foodstuffs from the Afram Plains, one of Ghana's key agricultural hubs, to other parts of the country.

Mahama expressed frustration over the government's neglect of the project despite securing loans for its development.

He questioned why the bridge, which is essential for both the local population and regional economic growth, has not been constructed as planned.

In 2022, Parliament approved a funding package of €350 million for the bridge's construction, along with 124 kilometres of roads in the Afram Plains area, including routes from Adawso to Bunso, and Ekye-Amanfrom. However, Mahama noted that work on the project has yet to begin, which he described as a grave disrespect to the people of the region.

"If given the mandate, my government will ensure that such important infrastructure projects are completed to improve the livelihoods of Ghanaians," Mahama assured, pledging to address these developmental gaps.