A Graphic news report has revealed a shocking discovery made by the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) that could have led to a catastrophic disaster on the Accra-Tema Motorway. Thieves have stolen about 1,400 of the 2,000 bolts that hold the corrugated metals in the tunnel that connects Tema Community 18 to Borteyman, putting the lives of thousands of motorists at risk.

The theft was uncovered recently following an assessment on the bridge that showed signs of imminent danger. The missing bolts had compromised the structural integrity of the bridge, making it susceptible to collapse if not repaired immediately.

The collapse of the bridge could have divided the motorway into two, cutting off Accra from Tema, according to the Principal Engineer at the Bridge Division of GHA, Aaron Nana Amponsah. He told the Daily Graphic that the missing bolts were essential for holding the bridge together and pointed out that the tunnel had recently experienced severe vibration due to the heavy axle loads on the motorway.

The tunnel was closed to traffic last Saturday to allow for the replacement of the bolts. The new ones are being welded to the corrugated metals, to make them firm and difficult to remove.The GHA has also done concrete works around the bridge basin to prevent water from pooling there, as well as diverting some blocked watercourses into a nearby storm drain.

A Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, Stephen Jalulah, who inspected the tunnel last Wednesday prior to the commencement of work, lamented the damage caused by the alleged thieves. He said that such acts of vandalism were unacceptable and unpatriotic, and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

He also urged motorists and commuters to bear with the inconvenience caused by the closure of the tunnel and assured them that it would be reopened as soon as possible.