The bustling heart of Kaneshie is seeing a major change this week as the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) takes decisive action to protect pedestrians.
Following a detailed inspection that revealed worrying signs of decay, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has officially ordered the temporary closure of the Kaneshie footbridge.
The decision comes after officials noticed serious structural defects that could no longer be ignored. For anyone who has walked these bridges recently, the sight of exposed metal reinforcements and crumbling concrete has become a point of concern. Mayor Allotey made it clear during his Wednesday inspection that public safety is the absolute priority, stating that the Assembly simply will not compromise when lives are at risk.
Immediate Changes for Traders and Commuters
To kickstart the renovation process, the Mayor has urged everyone currently occupying or working around the footbridges to vacate the area immediately. While these bridges are often hubs for local trade, the structural integrity has reached a point where urgent repair work is the only way forward.
It is important to note that there will be legal consequences for anyone attempting to bypass the closures or use the structures unlawfully while they are marked as unsafe. To keep traffic flowing and pedestrians moving, the Department of Urban Roads, led by Engr. James Oduro Amoo-Gottfried, is setting up temporary alternative routes. These include designated crossing points along the median of the Dr Busia Highway to ensure you can still get where you need to go safely.
A Wider Look at Accra’s Infrastructure
The deterioration of the Kaneshie bridges isn’t an isolated concern. Frank Nkansah, the Municipal Chief Executive for Ablekuma Central, pointed out that persistent overcrowding by traders has made regular maintenance difficult over the years.
This closure is part of a much larger safety drive across the Greater Accra Region. Led by the Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, a coordinated team of executives will be conducting joint inspections in several key areas, including:
- Adenta
- School Junction
- Dansoman
- Agbogbloshie
The goal is simple: identify unsafe structures before they become a danger to the public. Non-compliant buildings or deteriorating infrastructure across these zones may face demolition or immediate repair orders to meet engineering standards.
Funding and Community Support
The AMA is not waiting around for outside help to get started. Mayor Allotey confirmed that the Assembly is using its Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to begin preliminary works right away. While they await additional support from the central government, these local funds ensure that the most critical stabilization efforts happen now.
Residents are also being asked to play their part. If you notice a building in your community that looks structurally unsound or unsafe, the Mayor encourages you to report it. Swift reporting allows the Assembly to take action before a minor crack becomes a major hazard.
The AMA remains dedicated to improving our city’s infrastructure and making sure that every resident can walk the streets of Accra without fear for their safety.
Also Read: Over 600 Coaches Apply for Black Stars Job – Kurt Okraku and GFA Face Tough Selection Task