Mabey Bridge has sealed a deal with the government of Ghana as the preferred supplier for a £43million emergency bridge programme.

The Lydney firm is a specialist in modular bridging and earlier this year opened part of a vital route over a river in the South Sudanese capital Juba, as well as supplying 10 bridges to the HS2 project.

Chief executive Michael Treacy said: "We are delighted to be working with the government of Ghana to help expedite and successfully implement this urgent, high-profile project.

"Sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure is critically important to post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation and we very much look forward to working in partnership with the Ghanaian government to deliver this ambitious programme."

Developed by Ghana's Ministry of Roads and Highways, the programme is part of a strategy to improve connectivity for rural communities post-disaster, enabling quicker, safer and more efficient access to employment, education and healthcare.

It involves the design, manufacture and delivery of 89 emergency modular bridges over two years for use in strategic locations across the country.

It provides full technical support to assist with local project management and implementation, as well as incorporating a comprehensive training package for local engineers delivered by an expert bridge installation team.

Minister of Roads and Highways Kwasi Amoako-Attah said: "This project represents another landmark in the government of Ghana's commitment to ensure that rural communities benefit from the provision of superior infrastructure.

"We are looking forward to working with Mabey Bridge on this project."

British High Commissioner to Ghana Iain Walker believes the deal shows the strength of the partnership between the countries.

He said: "Developed at the third UK-Ghana Business Council in 2019, this deal will improve connectivity for communities across the country, making the daily journeys to school and work both safer and faster.

"Together we are committed to creating opportunities that move beyond aid and towards the trade and investment relationships which drive economic growth and local job creation."