The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey has ordered the temporary closure of the Kaneshie footbridges following an inspection that revealed significant structural concerns.
The Mayor, who ordered the closure of the footbridges on Wednesday, assured residents that immediate steps would be taken to safeguard lives while repair works were initiated.
Addressing traders and commuters during the inspection, the Mayor urged occupants on and around the bridges to vacate the area to allow for urgent renovation works, stressing that the Assembly would not take chances with public safety in light of recent structural failures in the city.
He called on the public to cooperate fully with the directives, warning that anyone who defied safety protocols or attempted to use the bridge unlawfully would face legal consequences.
In a separate interview with the media, the Mayor reiterated that the Assembly would take immediate action using its Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to commence preliminary works while awaiting additional support from the central government.
The Mayor observed that sections of the bridge had already deteriorated significantly, with exposed metal reinforcements visible due to broken concrete, describing the situation as urgent.
He called on residents to report unsafe buildings and developments within their communities, assuring that the Assembly would respond promptly to ensure compliance with engineering standards.
The Mayor also announced plans to collaborate with other Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) across Accra to undertake joint inspections and enforcement exercises in areas such as Adenta, School Junction, Dansoman and Agbogbloshie.
He added that the coordinated approach, spearheaded by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo would target unsafe structures across the city, with non-compliant developments subject to demolition where necessary.
The Mayor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to serving the people of Accra, emphasising that ensuring safety, improving infrastructure, and enforcing regulations remained central to building a resilient and sustainable city.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly, Hon. Frank Nkansah who accompanied the Mayor, indicated that the persistent occupation of the footbridge by traders had made maintenance difficult over the years, leading to deterioration of critical components, including barriers and structural footings, with visible signs of rust and damage.
Speaking after a joint inspection of the Kaneshie footbridges with the Mayor and officials from the Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly, Engr. James Oduro Amoo-Gottfried, Director of the Department of Urban Roads, acknowledged that the structure was not in good condition and required urgent attention while supporting the decision to partially close the footbridges.
He indicated that temporary alternative routes would be created, including designated crossing points along the median of the road, to allow pedestrians to safely cross the busy Kaneshie stretch of the Dr. Busia Highway while repair works were ongoing.