Ghana has signed ¥3 billion grant agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA for improvement of the Inner Ring Road in Kumasi. Minister for Finance Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has described the development is “Good news for Oseikrom”
According to him the Road is a “critical artery, linking the N6 and N8 within Kumasi and forming part of the Takoradi/Tema Ports–Ouagadougou Corridor.”
In a post on Facebook after signing of the agreement Dr. Ato Forson decried the challenges the current state of the road poses to commuters.
“Unfortunately, rapid growth in traffic has turned sections of this road into bottlenecks, with congestion, delays, and safety risks for road users. This project directly tackles those challenges.”
According to the minister the project will ensure the following:
• Widen 3.2 km of road between Santasi and Ahodwo Roundabouts,
• Upgrade intersections with modern traffic signals,
• Improve pedestrian facilities and drainage systems,
• Enhance connectivity between Santasi Roundabout and the N8.
“The transformation will be remarkable: travel speeds will more than triple, journey times will be cut drastically, and both passenger and freight movement will become far more efficient.” He stated.
Dr. Forson expressed appreciation to JICA and the people of Japan for such a support.
“We are deeply grateful to JICA for this generous support and continued partnership with Ghana.”
The minister stated the agreement is “only part of our wider agenda for Kumasi.” According to him the ongoing and upcoming works include:
1. The Suame Interchange and Local Roads,
2. The Sunyani Road (Phase 2),
3. The Konongo Bypass, and
4. The forthcoming 45km Kumasi Outer Ring Road.
Present at the signing ceremony was minister for Roads and Highways Kwame Agbodza Governs.
