JoyNews gets results: Mahama intervenes, four arrested as Abesua galamsey-damaged bridge undergoes repairs

Four people have been arrested and are in police custody following JoyNews’ exclusive report on the destruction of the only access bridge linking several communities in the Abesua Electoral Area of the Atwima Mponua District in the Ashanti Region.

The development follows the intervention of President John Mahama and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, after the report highlighted how illegal mining activities had cut off residents from essential services, markets and farmlands.

JoyNews can confirm that authorities have begun remedial works on the damaged road, with the water that had overflowed onto the stretch drained and the clogged bridge cleared.

The affected section is also being gravelled with boulders to improve access, while four suspects have been arrested in connection with the illegal mining activities and are currently in police custody.

President John Mahama has acknowledged the report, confirming that the situation had been brought to his attention and citing the JoyNews coverage as an example of how public concerns reach his administration.

Speaking on his approach to public feedback, the President said he monitors social media platforms, including TikTok, to identify concerns raised by citizens and ensure they are brought to the attention of the appropriate ministers for action.

He maintained that he does not dismiss criticism of his government, including from people who believe it is taking the country in the wrong direction, noting that public feedback helps identify challenges and improve governance.

Ashanti Regional Minister Frank Amoakohene confirmed the ongoing intervention, saying the runoff had been drained from the road, the clogged bridge cleared, and work on the affected stretch commenced.

Residents of Abesua No. 1, Abesua No. 2, Nyamebekyere, Abrokyire and adjoining communities had been left virtually isolated after illegal mining activities caused the collapse of the bridge over River Kukubu.

The bridge served as the only access route connecting the communities to the main road at Seribuso and Mankranso.

A JoyNews visit to the area on Sunday, October 25, revealed that the bridge had completely caved in after illegal miners allegedly excavated and degraded land along the riverbanks.

The resulting overflow had submerged sections of the road, making it extremely difficult for vehicles and motorcycles to access the communities.

Residents also disclosed that some miners returned to the site later that evening with heavy machinery and attempted to redirect the water by pushing sand into the river channel, without reconstructing the collapsed bridge.

The situation severely affected education, with pupils who commute daily to Atwima Asamang Basic School reportedly abandoning classes, particularly during periods of rainfall, because they could not cross the river.

Trading activities were also disrupted, as traders struggled to reach market centres to restock goods, while those who managed to make the journey faced exorbitant transportation fares.

Farmers in the area separately raised concerns about the destruction of their farmlands and the growing difficulty of accessing their farms because of roads blocked by illegal mining operations.

Some residents further alleged that they had faced intimidation and threats from illegal miners and their bodyguards whenever they attempted to challenge the activities.

The farmers also accused some community leaders of complicity and raised concerns about alleged police involvement, calling for urgent investigations and stronger action to protect their livelihoods.

They said previous attempts by residents to seize equipment used for illegal mining had failed, as the machinery often returned to the area shortly afterwards.

Although the arrests and ongoing road repairs offer some relief, residents are expected to look to the authorities for sustained action to stop illegal mining, restore the damaged bridge and safeguard their farms and livelihoods.