17-year-old student Drowns In Nkwanta South

A 17-year-old student from Nkwanta Senior High School in the Oti Region has tragically drowned at Gyelen Bridge in the Bontibor farming community.

This incident occurred on Monday, August 17, as the student was making his way home from the farm.

Residents had voiced their concerns about the substandard materials used in its construction for some time, yet their worries were largely ignored.

Frank Yeboah, the Assembly Member for the Bontibor/Salifukrom Electoral Area, confirmed the tragedy.

He attributed this disaster to inadequate construction practices and a lack of proper oversight.

He placed the blame for the young student’s death squarely on the contractor’s negligence, noting that the student was in his second year at Nkwanta SHS.

The swollen river at the time exacerbated the situation, leaving community members stranded and at risk.

Mr. Yeboah has urged the government and relevant authorities to prioritise the construction of a new bridge to facilitate farmers in transporting their goods to market.

He also pointed out that pregnant women, the sick, and others in need are unable to reach nearby hospitals and essential services.

Nana Obirikiti Amanado, the Paramount Chief of the Ntrubo North Traditional Area and grandfather of the deceased, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss.

He revealed that complaints regarding the bridge had been ignored for over 13 months, despite numerous appeals directed at both the contractor and the previous government.

The chief has called on President John Dramani Mahama and his government to take swift action, emphasising that the community cannot afford to keep losing lives, especially among women and children.

He further highlighted that the deteriorating roads from Brewaniase through Pusupu to Bontibor and Salifu-Krom pose continuous threats to the safety and livelihoods of residents.