The Government of Ghana has signed a landmark ¥3 billion (Japanese Yen) grant agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to overhaul the Inner Ring Road in Kumasi, a move set to ease congestion and improve mobility in the bustling metropolis dramatically.
The deal, inked today by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, targets Kumasi’s critical Inner Ring Road, a crucial link between the N6 and N8 highways and an essential artery for the Takoradi/Tema Ports–Ouagadougou Corridor. Over the years, surging traffic has turned portions of this route into notorious bottlenecks, posing daily challenges for commuters and businesses alike. The new project aims to directly address these pain points.
Under the comprehensive improvement plan, the project will:
Widen 3.2 km of road between Santasi and Ahodwo Roundabouts
Upgrade intersections with modern traffic signals
Enhance pedestrian walkways and drainage systems
Improve connectivity between Santasi Roundabout and the N8
Once completed, travel speeds on this stretch are expected to more than triple, slashing journey times and boosting efficiency for both passenger and freight transport.
Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, welcomed the JICA partnership, emphasizing that the Inner Ring Road upgrade is part of a broader transformation plan for Kumasi’s transport system. “We are deeply grateful to JICA for this generous support and continued partnership with Ghana. But this is only one piece of the puzzle.
From the Suame Interchange to the Konongo Bypass and the forthcoming 45km Kumasi Outer Ring Road, our vision is to reshape Kumasi’s transport landscape and unlock economic and social opportunities for millions,” he said.
JICA Ghana’s senior representative, Mr. ODA Ryotaro, noted that this project is the first new Grant Aid from Japan since TICAD 9 in August, aligning with the Yokohama Declaration’s call to boost transport connectivity as a driver of growth.
Beyond relieving congestion, he emphasized that the upgrade will enhance access to schools, hospitals, and markets, reduce accidents, and promote a safer, healthier urban environment in Kumasi.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
