GENERAL

Alarming Decay at Sogakope Bridge Prompts Urgent Call for Action from MP and DCE

In a direct response to mounting safety fears from the public, South Tongu’s Member of Parliament, Maxwell Kwame Lukutor, and District Chief Executive, Victoria Dzeklo, led a high-level technical inspection of the deteriorating Sogakope Bridge.

Date Created : 1/16/2026 : Story Author : Ghanadistricts.com

The visit confirmed residents' worst concerns: the critical bridge is in a state of dangerous disrepair, posing immediate risks to the thousands of motorists and pedestrians who use it daily.

A Bridge on the Brink: Key Findings
  • The inspection team, which included top engineers from the Roads and Highways Ministry and town planning officials, identified several critical failures:
  • Severe Structural Damage: The walkways and concrete slabs adjoining the road surface are crumbling.
  • Failed Safety Features: The metal railings along the bridge are extensively damaged, leaving pedestrians unprotected.
  •  Faulty Expansion Joints: Issues with the expansion gaps and surrounding bitumen, initially raised by the MP in Parliament, were confirmed and are worsening.
  • Public Safety Hazard: "The current state of the bridge is unacceptable and poses a serious danger to all users," stated Hon. Lukutor, expressing strong dissatisfaction alongside the DCE.
  • Vandalism Compounds the Crisis
  • A shocking discovery added to the urgency: rampant vandalism is crippling the bridge's infrastructure. Out of 28 streetlights, only 7 are functional, with criminals repeatedly stealing electrical cables and metal components.

"This isn't just theft; it's an attack on public safety that endangers every life on this bridge," Hon. Dzeklo told reporters. The leaders issued a stern warning to the perpetrators to cease immediately.

Immediate Actions and Long-Term Solutions
Following the on-site assessment, the leaders secured a direct line to the Roads and Highways headquarters. The Director has requested a formal letter from the DCE to fast-track the process and has committed to deploying a technical team for a full assessment next week.

To combat vandalism and ensure future security, the MP and DCE are pushing for the installation of CCTV cameras for 24-hour surveillance of the structure.

A Pledge for a Lasting Fix
Beyond urgent repairs, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a permanent solution for the bridge, a vital artery for the South Tongu District and the Volta Region.

"We are united in working with all agencies to ensure the safety, durability, and proper long-term maintenance of this essential link," Hon. Lukutor emphasized. He also highlighted the bridge's potential, suggesting regular cleaning and beautification could enhance its status as a local landmark and tourist attraction.

Meanwhile, the community awaits the Roads and Highways Ministry’s technical team and the commencement of emergency repair works to secure the Sogakope Bridge.