The Tempane district in Ghana’s Upper East Region has been hit by heavy rains and flooding. Last month, on August 3, 2026, flooding washed away parts of the Bugri bridge, which connects Bugri, Bugri Corner, Bawku Municipality, and Tempane.
The floodwaters swept away a young motorbike rider, leading to his death.Again, on August 23, 2026, tragedy struck when a mother and her two-month-old babydied after struggling to cross the damaged bridge.
They were traveling on a motorbike when they crashed into the broken bridge. The total death toll now stands at three, reflecting the danger faced by residents as they attempt to cross the compromised structure.
Speaking exclusively on the Word Community Watch Show, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Tempane, Mr. Joseph Mbilla, explained that the Bugri bridge is a vital transport link connecting Bugri to Pusiga and Bawku Municipality.
He said the bridge’s collapse has severed access to markets, schools, and hospitals for residents.Mr. Mbilla added that, due to the high volume of water flooding the area—which destroyed the bridge during the rainy season—he collaborated with key stakeholders to respond quickly.
These include the Member of Parliament for Tempane, Mrs. Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, the Regional Engineer, and the Upper East Regional Minister.According to him, the team has worked to reconnect Tempane to Bawku Municipality and other nearby towns by putting in place interim measures.
He noted that this is being done to ensure that residents can move safely while waiting for the rains to subside for a permanent bridge structure to be constructed.
The DCE further stated that the ongoing intervention is meant to reduce the suffering and prevent more accidents.
He explained that both sides of the bridge are currently flooded and muddy, making it difficult for contractors to begin permanent repairs immediately. For that reason, the temporary measures including creating a temporary road/diversion were necessary to allow movement until work can resume properly.
Source:mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Adongo Ayuureneeya.