Hundreds of travellers have been left stranded following the mechanical failure of the only operational ferry crossing the Afram River.
The vessel, which had been operating on a precarious single engine, reportedly lost power and control mid-stream while laden with passengers, heavy vehicles, and commercial goods on Friday, March 20.
Strong river currents subsequently drifted the immobilised craft into a mudbank, where it remained stuck for several hours, sparking panic among those on board.
Local canoe operators were quickly mobilised to the scene to begin the evacuation of passengers.
Small wooden boats were seen shuttling between the grounded ferry and the dock, while larger canoes attempted the difficult task of assisting the heavy vessel back to a safe mooring.
The breakdown has created a massive logjam on both sides of the riverbanks, with many traders and travellers waiting in uncertainty as the sun sets over the river.
Dozens of trucks and passenger buses remain queued, with no clear timeline for when ferry operations will resume.
Some passengers, desperate to reach their destinations, have resorted to crossing in overloaded canoes, paying what they have described as “exorbitant fares” to local operators.
The timing of the mechanical failure has caused significant disruption to political schedules.
The timing of the mechanical failure has caused significant disruption to political schedules. Scores of attendees and NDC party executives were en route to Afram Plains South for the launch of a Farmer Service Centre by President John Dramani Mahama, scheduled for Saturday, 21st March.
While some officials have opted for the risky canoe crossing, others on urgent assignments have been forced to make a massive detour through the Asante Akyem Agogo road to access the Afram Plains—a journey that adds several hours to the trip.
Community leaders and travellers are now calling on the government and the Volta Lake Transport Company (VLTC) to deploy an emergency replacement vessel from Akosombo or Dambai if repairs cannot be completed immediately.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com