For years, schoolchildren in Asuokwa township in Ghana’s Eastern Region have risked their lives daily in pursuit of education, crossing a river without a safe and permanent bridge to access schools located on the other side of the community.

Pupils have relied on a narrow wooden structure to cross the river — a makeshift solution residents say has long posed serious danger.

Tragically, the community recorded the loss of a pupil who drowned while attempting to cross, an incident that deepened fears among parents and residents.

During the rainy season, the situation becomes even more precarious.

Rising water levels often make the crossing impassable, forcing some children to miss school entirely.

Others are escorted daily by their parents, who must temporarily abandon their livelihoods to ensure their children’s safety, placing both emotional and economic strain on families.

Residents describe the former wooden bridge as old and unstable, with many children visibly frightened as they made their way across.

Following the removal of the wooden structure, some pupils reportedly resorted to removing their uniforms, packing them into bags and wading through the river before dressing again on the other side — an ordeal community leaders describe as distressing and undignified for young learners.

Beyond the river crossing, there have also been reports of children being knocked down by vehicles while attempting to use alternative routes to school.

Hope, however, arrived last week when the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, visited Asuokwa and officially cut the sod for the construction of a new bridge.

The ceremony, held on Friday, marked the commencement of what residents believe will be a lasting solution to years of hardship and anxiety.

Community members have since called on the contractor to begin work without delay, particularly ahead of the heavy rains, to prevent further disruption to children’s education.

For the people of Asuokwa, the planned bridge represents more than infrastructure — it symbolises safety, dignity and renewed hope.

Residents say they look forward to the day their children can cross to school without fear, exhaustion or risk to their lives.