The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Roads and Highways, has signed a contract with Mabey Bridge of the United Kingdom (UK), to facilitate the delivery of 89 modular, steel, emergency-response bridges to be rapidly deployed across Ghana to restore critical infrastructure.
The signing ceremony took place on October 9, 2020, and was witnessed by representatives from the British High Commission to Ghana.
The £43million bridge programme, forming a key part of discussions at the third UK-Ghana Business Council held in Accra in October 2019, has been developed by the Ministry as part of its strategy to improve connectivity for rural communities to enable quicker, safer and more efficient access to employment, education and healthcare.
The bridge programme involves the design, manufacture and delivery of emergency modular bridges over two years for use in strategic locations across the country. It also incorporates a comprehensive training package for local engineers and technicians delivered by expert qualified bridge installation engineers, both in the UK and in-country.
Notable contributions from the dignitaries present at the ceremony included; Iain Walker, British Commissioner to Ghana.
“89 bridges deployed across the country shows the strength of the UK-Ghana partnership, a long-term partnership working for the long-term benefit of Ghana. Developed at the third UK-Ghana Business Council in 2019, this deal will improve connectivity for communities across the country, making the daily journey to school and work both safer and faster. Together, we are committed to creating opportunities that move beyond aid and towards the trade and investment relationships which drive economic growth and local job creation”, said the Minister of Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwasi Amoako-Attah.
Adam Afriyie, Her Majesty’s Trade Envoy for Ghana commenting on the deal also said “This signing ceremony represents another landmark in Government’s commitment to ensure that rural communities benefit from the provision of superior infrastructure to improve their livelihoods”.
