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

Two Unit Committee members are among four people arrested for leasing land to illegal miners after the collapse of a bridge over River Kukubu in the Abesua community, Ashanti Region. The other two suspects are the miners themselves. The bridge, the only route connecting several communities to the main road, collapsed when illegal mining operations degraded the surrounding land, causing the river to overflow and block the road.

The District Chief Executive confirmed the arrests after a report by JoyNews exposed the devastation caused by the illegal mining. The arrested Unit Committee members are alleged to have collected money from the miners and leased them land around the bridge and river buffer zone for illegal mining. The bridge collapse has severely impacted the affected communities, disrupting economic activities, health services, and education.

The District Assembly has initiated emergency repairs and plans for a permanent reconstruction of the bridge. Residents are relieved by the temporary measures to restore access but urge the Assembly to construct a new bridge to prevent future incidents and ensure long-term safety.