The Free Methodist Church has constructed and commissioned a footbridge worth more than GH¢65,000 to provide safe passage for residents of Azorebisi and Amogrebisi in Sumbrungu in the Bolgatanga Municipality.
The bridge, named “Unity Bridge,” was commissioned on Friday, July 31, 2026, to address the dangers residents faced crossing a stream, particularly during the rainy season, to access healthcare, schools, markets and other essential services.
Head Pastor of the church, Rev. Dennis Atiah, said the church identified the problem about 11 years ago when it began operating in the area.
“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. So we realized that, the place is a death trap in a way because when it rains, people still try to cross because they need to go home and they need to access healthcare and other necessities,” he said.
Rev. Atiah said women and children were particularly affected because many lacked transportation to use alternative routes to reach 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, healthcare especially at the Amogrebisi clinic. And so we realized that it was so much a burden to the women and then the children,” he added.
According to him, the church began construction of the bridge in 2023 and financed the project through church funds and contributions from individuals.
“We realized that as a church, we are also part of developing the community. By the grace of God, we started this three years ago, that’s 2023, and then here we are, God being so good, we are able to complete it today and we are commissioning it today for the people,” Rev. Atiah stated.
“This bridge has cost us over GH¢65,000.”
General Superintendent of the Free Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. Ahmed Kenneth Quarshie, named the facility “Unity Bridge,” saying it symbolises togetherness between the communities.
“The Unity bridge will continue to hold the people together for the glory of God,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the communities and local authorities for their support towards the completion of the project.
Assembly Member for the Sumbrungu Azorebisi Electoral Area, Dr. Elias Ayinbila Apasiya, thanked the church for addressing a long-standing challenge confronting residents.
“Residents of both Azorebisi and Amogrebisi and the entire Sumbrungu can now move freely for their daily activities without delays or risk,” Dr. Apasiya said.
Residents expect the bridge to improve access to healthcare, education and markets while providing a safer connection between the communities, particularly at night and during the rainy season.
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