Two Unit Committee members among 4 arrested for leasing land to galamsey operators after Abesua bridge collapse

Two Unit Committee members are among four persons arrested in connection with illegal mining activities that led to the collapse of the bridge over River Kukubu in the Abesua community of the Atwima Mponua District in the Ashanti Region.

The other two suspects are illegal miners who were operating along the riverbanks.

The bridge, which is the only access route linking Abesua No.1, Abesua No.2, Nyamebekyere, Abrokyire and adjoining communities to the main road at Serebuoso and Mankranso, caved in after galamsey operators excavated and degraded lands around it, causing the river to overflow onto the road and cutting off the communities.

The arrests follow public outcry and an exclusive report filed by JoyNews, which showed the extent of devastation caused by the illegal mining activities.

Confirming the arrests, the District Chief Executive for Atwima Mponua, Ibrahim Issahak, disclosed that preliminary investigations have established a direct link between some local leaders and the illegal miners.

According to Mr. Issahak, the two unit committee members allegedly collected money from the miners and leased out parcels of land around the bridge and along the river buffer zone for illegal mining.

“The illegal miners themselves accused the unit committee members of taking money from them and leasing to them. That is what our initial investigations point to,” the DCE stated.

He said the four suspects are currently in police custody, assisting with investigations, and will be arraigned before court by Monday, November 3, 2026, to face charges relating to illegal mining and causing damage to public infrastructure.

The collapse of the bridge has had dire consequences for the affected communities.

Residents say economic activities have come to a standstill as farmers are unable to transport their produce to market centres at nearby urban communities.

Health delivery has also been affected, with patients struggling to access the nearest health facilities.

The situation is most dire for schoolchildren. Pupils from the cut-off communities who commute daily to Atwima Asamang Basic School often have to abandon school, especially during rainfall, as they are unable to cross the swollen river.

In response, the DCE, together with the District Engineer and a technical team from the Assembly, has visited the site to assess the damage and commence emergency repair works.

Mr. Issahak disclosed that, as an interim measure, runoff water has been drained from the affected stretch, the clogged bridge culvert has been cleared, and reinforcement works using boulders, chippings and gravel are ongoing to make the road motorable while plans for a permanent reconstruction are considered.

He assured residents that the Assembly is committed to fully restoring the road and will ensure that all persons found culpable in the illegal mining activities that led to its destruction face the full rigours of the law.

“We will not shield anyone. If you are found to have leased land for galamsey around this critical bridge, you will face the law. We must protect public infrastructure,” he warned.

Mr. Issahak also cautioned other unit committee members and opinion leaders in the district against engaging in similar acts, stressing that the Assembly will not hesitate to prosecute anyone who facilitates illegal mining in water bodies and along road reserves.

Meanwhile, residents of the communities affected by the collapse of the bridge have applauded the government, through the District Assembly, for its swift intervention to restore access.

According to them, the emergency works have brought huge relief, as they can now access the main road at Serebuoso and Mankranso to go about their daily activities. Farmers are able to transport their produce to market centres, while schoolchildren can now go to school and return home safely without having to cross the dangerous, flooded river.

They, however, say the current intervention is only a temporary measure and are urging the District Assembly to take concrete steps to fulfil its promise of constructing a new, permanent bridge over River Kukubu to prevent future occurrences and ensure the long-term safety of commuters.