Member of Parliament for Kwahu Afram Plains, Worlase Kpeli, has disclosed that the government is in discussions to purchase a new ferry for communities in the Afram Plains, though the timeline for its arrival remains uncertain.
His comments come amid rising concern from chiefs, residents, and traders in Agodeke, a farming community in the Afram Plains North District, who have called on the government and the Volta Lake Transport Company to urgently address the situation.
The existing ferry, the only safe means to cross the 23-nautical-mile stretch from Agodeke to Kpando in the Volta Region, has been out of service for over a month. In its absence, commuters have had to rely on small wooden boats and canoes, often without life jackets, raising serious safety fears.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Monday, November 17, Mr. Kpeli highlighted the challenges faced by residents and the limited alternatives.
“Some talks with the M.D say government is trying to procure a new one, but as to when, nobody knows. The road alternative is going around Koforidua back to Kwahu Adawso, where crossing Adawso is a little reliable, but it is a very long journey,” he explained.
Mr. Kpeli also noted that the 2026 Budget includes plans to construct a bridge connecting Adawso to Afram Plains.
“I can tell you confidently that the current budget we were working on before appropriation has captured the bridge from Adawso to Afram Plains, but that does not solve this ferry situation because this is on the Volta side. We do not have a timeline yet. I was trying to check if it begins immediately after appropriation, but I don’t have the answer,” he added.
He warned that the situation poses serious risks for school children, who are soon to go on vacation, as many will be forced to cross the lake in unsafe boats.
Source:Lovinghananews.com
