By Isaac Arkoh, GNA
Cape Coast, May 21, GNA – Some pupils of Homaho D/A Basic School in the Assin South District of the Central Region were on Tuesday afternoon May 19, rescued safely after a nearby river overflowed its banks and trapped them while they were returning home from school.
Eyewitnesses told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the river suddenly swelled near an abandoned bridge after about two hours of heavy rainfall, cutting off access and leaving the pupils stranded.
Residents, including parents and other community members, quickly improvised rescue measures to help the children cross to safety.
They formed human chains and used locally made wooden stools to assist younger pupils through deeper portions of the flooded area.
Some residents also waded through chest-deep water, carrying infants and lifting school bags above their heads to prevent them from getting wet, eyewitnesses said.
Nana Amoayaw, an elder of the community, speaking to the GNA on behalf of the Chief of Homaho, Nana Duodu III, expressed concern about the abandoned bridge, describing it as a serious danger to residents.
He noted that despite several appeals to the authorities, no action had been taken to complete the bridge.
According to him, residents cross the river daily to access essential services such as school, markets, and healthcare, making the situation particularly worrying.
He appealed to the Government and development partners to prioritise the reconstruction of the bridge to prevent any future disaster.
Mr Emmanuel Quainoo, an affected parent, said the situation worsened during every rainy season, putting the lives of their children at risk.
“I am frustrated and terrified every rainy season because the children are trapped by that uncompleted bridge. We have begged the authorities for years, yet nothing has been done to keep our children safe,” he lamented.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Isaac Arkoh
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