The Free Methodist Church has commissioned a footbridge valued at more than GH¢65,000 to provide safe and reliable access for residents of Azorebisi and Amogrebisi in the Sumbrungu area of the Bolgatanga Municipality.
The bridge, named “Unity Bridge,” was officially commissioned on Friday, July 31, 2026, to address the long-standing difficulties residents faced crossing a stream, particularly during the rainy season, to access healthcare, schools, markets and other essential services.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Head Pastor of the Free Methodist Church, Rev. Dennis Atiah, said the need for the bridge became evident when the church established a congregation in the area about 11 years ago.
He explained that residents from both communities regularly risked their lives crossing the stream, especially during heavy rains, because they had no alternative route to access basic services.
“The construction of the footbridge became necessary because when we started our church 11 years ago, we realized that a lot of people from Azorebisi and Amogrebisi find it difficult to cross to either side. We realized the place was a death trap because even when it rains, people still try to cross since they need to go home and access healthcare and other necessities,” Rev. Atiah said.
He noted that women and children were the most affected, as many could not afford transportation to take the longer route to schools and the Amogrebisi Clinic.
“It was the suffering of the women and the children, most especially, because they don’t have the means of transport to go the long way to access education and healthcare, especially at the Amogrebisi Clinic. We realized it was a huge burden on them,” he added.
Rev. Atiah disclosed that construction of the bridge began in 2023 after the church mobilised financial support from its members and other benevolent individuals.
He stressed that the church considered community development an integral part of its mission.
“We realized that as a church, we are also part of developing the community. By the grace of God, we started this in 2023, and today we have completed it and are commissioning it for the benefit of the people,” he said.
According to him, the project cost the church more than GH¢65,000.
General Superintendent of the Free Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. Ahmed Kenneth Quarshie, officially named the structure “Unity Bridge,” describing it as a symbol of togetherness and cooperation between the two neighbouring communities.
“The Unity Bridge will continue to hold the people together for the glory of God,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the chiefs, residents and local authorities for their cooperation and support throughout the construction process.
The Assembly Member for the Sumbrungu Azorebisi Electoral Area, Dr. Elias Ayinbila Apasiya, commended the church for addressing a critical infrastructure challenge that had affected residents for many years.
He said the bridge would significantly improve movement within the area and reduce the risks residents previously encountered when crossing the stream.
“Residents of both Azorebisi and Amogrebisi and the entire Sumbrungu can now move freely for their daily activities without delays or risk,” Dr. Apasiya stated.
Residents who attended the commissioning expressed optimism that the bridge would improve access to healthcare, education and markets while ensuring safer movement between the two communities, particularly during the rainy season and at night.
