In a bold move to accelerate rural development and unlock the agricultural potential of the Eastern Region, the government has announced plans to construct a 3.6-kilometre bridge over the Afram River, complemented by approximately 100 kilometres of road network.
This ambitious infrastructure drive forms a core part of President John Dramani Mahama’s “$10 Billion Big Push” agenda, designed to boost productivity, improve regional connectivity, and reduce poverty across Ghana.
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwame Agbodza, who undertook a visit to the Eastern region, led a technical team of engineers on an inspection tour to assess the proposed site of the Afram Bridge and some priority roads earmarked for development.
The visit, which culminated in a media briefing at Donkorkrom, underscored the government’s renewed focus on transforming the largely underdeveloped Afram Plains into a dynamic agricultural and economic hub.
“President Mahama is committed to opening up the Afram Plains once and for all. The bridge, when completed, will connect the Eastern, Ashanti, and Oti regions in a very strategic way. It will open up the place for big-time agriculture and investment in agro-processing.”
Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza
According to the Roads and Highways Ministry, the road segments being considered under this initiative include Mpraeso–Obomeng–Nkawkaw, Abooso–Mpaem, Mpaem–Kwahu–Adawso, and Feyiase–Kwahu Tafo.
Additional routes such as Ekye Amanfrom–Takoratwene, Takoratwene–Dome, Takoratwene–Donkorkrom, and Donkorkrom–New Kyeiase are also on the radar.
The integrated development project is expected to significantly enhance economic growth, promote regional trade, and create thousands of jobs, particularly in agriculture and agro-processing.
Local farmers are expected to benefit immensely from improved access to markets and services, while investors will find the region more attractive for business.
The Afram Plains, long regarded as one of Ghana’s key food baskets, have been plagued by decades of infrastructural neglect.
The lack of reliable road networks and bridges has hindered not only agricultural transport but also limited access to healthcare, education, and emergency services.
The proposed bridge is therefore expected to serve as a vital link between isolated communities and regional economic centres.
Hon. Agbodza also emphasized that the “Big Push” is not just a political slogan but a pragmatic development plan anchored in inclusivity and long-term vision.
“This is about laying the foundation for sustainable national development. Roads and bridges are not just about transportation; they are about transforming lives, boosting productivity, and connecting our people”.
Roads Minister Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza
Jungle Warfare School Roads Under Construction
In a related development, Hon. Agbodza also inspected ongoing road construction works at the Ghana Military Academy’s Jungle Warfare School in the Achiase District of the Eastern Region.
The inspection formed part of a broader oversight tour aimed at ensuring quality delivery and timely execution of government infrastructure projects.
The internal roads at the elite military training facility have long been in a state of disrepair, hampering the movement of personnel and limiting rapid access to emergency services.
During the inspection, the Commanding Officer of the Jungle Warfare School, Lt. Col. Jacob Codjoe, told the minister that the poor road network had become a significant operational challenge.
“The roads within the school are essential for swift military maneuvers and support services. The delays caused by their poor state compromise operational efficiency and emergency response.”
Commanding Officer of the Jungle Warfare School, Lt. Col. Jacob Codjoe
In response, Hon. Agbodza assured the command of the government’s commitment to ensuring that the roads are completed within the next three months.
He urged the contractor on site to expedite work and deliver the project on schedule, noting that the Jungle Warfare School plays a critical role in Ghana’s military preparedness and security architecture.
“The Achiase – Jungle Warfare roads are not just internal roads; they are essential to our national defence infrastructure. We are committed to improving them to enable effective logistics and military operations.”
Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza
The contractor in charge of the works assured the Minister and military officials that all resources and personnel had been mobilized to meet the three-month completion target.
A renewed national commitment to infrastructure-led development is embodied in President Mahama’s “Big Push” initiative.
The plan intends to close the gap between urban and rural areas and unleash the nation’s growth potential from the ground up by concentrating on key roads and bridges that support regional integration and economic inclusion.
In addition to improving connectivity between the three main regions, the building of the Afram Bridge and the roads that connect it will boost the flow of goods and services, create jobs, and give long-marginalized communities new hope.
