The incident, which occurred last Thursday, has left residents and commuters deeply concerned about safety and accessibility.

The bridge is said to have been in a deteriorating condition for years. It finally collapsed when a truck, transporting bags of cocoa beans, attempted to cross, causing significant damage.

The Unit Committee Chairman for the Amooku electoral area, Patrick Gyan, told Adom News’ affiliate Green Gold FM that the collapse has created a hazardous gap, cutting off part of a crucial route used daily by thousands of drivers.

Nana Arman, the secretary to the Amooku chief, noted that traditional authorities had warned heavy-duty truck drivers not to use the bridge after assessing its deterioration on September 10, 2024.

Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Amenfi West, Eric Afful, has blamed the ruling government for the deplorable state of the bridge. Mr. Afful said a contract for repairs was awarded before the 2016 elections, and work had commenced. However, after the NDC lost the elections, the contract was put on hold with no explanation.

The Amooku Bridge is a vital link for commuters and transport between Mumuni and Amooku. It also serves as the main route connecting communities like Samaraboi, Aboi, No Good, and other towns across all three districts of Amenfi.

The deceased has been identified as 17-year-old Richmond Quao, a pupil of Ohiamatuo D/A JHS in the Amenfi West District of the Western Region.

The sad incident reportedly occurred on Friday, August 11, 2023, following the completion of his exams on Thursday.

Though the cause of death is not immediately known, Richmond is said to have suffered a short illness, that led to his death.

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The structures are also alleged to be a haven for criminals who attack and terrorise innocent visitors.

Speaking in an interview, the MCE indicated that most of the prostitutes occupying the brothels are foreigners, mainly from Nigeria.

“Most of them are Nigerians. Unfortunately, when we got to the place, they had run out so we could not arrest anyone. We destroyed some of the structures and have given about six landlords two weeks ultimatum to ensure their property are not used for such illegal activities again else we will destroy all of them,” he told Connect FM.

Some items retrieved from the demolished brothels included herbal concoctions sealed in containers, condoms, amulets, and many others.

According to the MCE, their activities pose a serious security threat in the area.

“We have reports that teenagers who go into mining come back to patronise these prostitutes. They harbour criminals who attack unsuspecting individuals and the sad aspect is that they operate in the middle of the town with impunity and that is causing a lot of nuisance,” he added.

The MCE added that travel restrictions cannot be imposed on residents from other ECOWAS countries “but those who are into illegal businesses will not be entertained. We will not end this exercise here. We will work hard to ensure that these commercial sex workers are wiped out,” he added.