Africa-Press – Ghana. River Oti, once a vital link for communities in Ghana’s Oti Region, now symbolizes neglect, frequent breakdowns, and daily struggles for the thousands who rely on its pontoons.
Two pontoons were originally designated to serve the Oti corridor, facilitating riverine travel and supporting the transport of goods and passengers between Dambai and other riverbank communities. Yet, for years, one of these pontoons has sat idle, abandoned due to a lack of maintenance. The other, still operational, suffers from frequent mechanical failures that disrupt lives and livelihoods.
A Symbol pf Neglect
The non-functional pontoon, rusting in disuse, stands as a visible testament to years of neglect. Without routine servicing or refurbishment, it has been rendered unusable. The only functioning pontoon, overburdened and poorly maintained, often breaks down—leaving passengers and cargo stranded for days on end.
Human Cost Inaction
These interruptions have dire consequences. Delays of five to seven days are not uncommon, particularly during peak agricultural transport seasons. Perishable goods like yams rot in transit, causing significant financial losses to traders and farmers.
“I stayed at the overbank for six days in 2024 while transporting yams from Kete Krachi,” recounted Malik, a haulage driver. “By the time I got to Accra, about 65 percent of the yams had perished due to the heat.”
Beyond the economic losses, the breakdowns endanger lives—particularly vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and patients requiring urgent care who are unable to cross the river in time to seek medical help.
Public Outcry and Plea for Maintenace
Frustrated commuters are calling on the government and the Volta Lake Transport Company (VLTC) to restore the abandoned pontoon and improve the maintenance schedule of the current one. Many believe that reviving the second pontoon would ease congestion, reduce strain on the operational vessel, and minimize breakdowns.
Mr. Abdulai Seini, Manager at VLTC, acknowledged the importance of maintenance, stating that regular servicing was essential to prolonging the pontoon’s lifespan and maintaining operational safety.
A Promised Soultion
Amid growing concerns, Oti Regional Minister Mr. John Kwadwo Gyapong announced a long-term intervention under the government’s $10 billion “Big Push Agenda”—the construction of a permanent bridge across the River Oti at Dambai. This bridge is expected to revolutionize
connectivity, shorten travel times between the north and south, and stimulate regional economic growth.
Hope on the Horizon
Residents see the proposed bridge as a beacon of hope. It promises a future with improved infrastructure, reliable transportation, and reduced economic vulnerability. However, many stress the urgency of short-term fixes while awaiting the bridge’s completion.
“We need both pontoons operational now,” said Joshua Gmalanban, a frequent traveler. “One should operate from Dordoe-Kope to Dambai and the other in the reverse direction. That would help reduce waiting time and ensure smoother operations.”
A Practical Soultion and a call to Action
The community’s suggestion is straightforward: repair the abandoned pontoon, maintain the existing one, and reduce the pressure on a single vessel. This dual-pontoon system could restore efficiency, cut travel delays, and minimize economic losses.
For now, the people of Dambai and its surrounding communities continue to hope for the better. They call on the government, the VLTC, and stakeholders to act—not with more promises, but with real, timely interventions. Addressing the current challenges on the River Oti will not only restore transportation efficiency but also dignity and security to the lives it serves daily.
Source: Ghana News Agency
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