By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The government has signed a ¥3 billion (Japanese Yen) grant agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to upgrade the Inner Ring Road in Kumasi, a key transport artery in the Ashanti Region.
The agreement, signed by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is aimed at easing traffic congestion, reducing travel delays, and improving safety for thousands of commuters who use the road daily.
The Inner Ring Road serves as a vital link between the N6 and N8 highways and forms part of the strategic Takoradi/Tema Ports–Ouagadougou Corridor, which facilitates trade between Ghana and its landlocked neighbors. However, rapid traffic growth in recent years has turned sections of the road into bottlenecks, creating severe congestion and risks for road users.
Under the project, JICA funding will support:
- Widening of a 3.2 km stretch between the Santasi and Ahodwo Roundabouts,
- Upgrading intersections with modern traffic signals,
- Improving pedestrian walkways and drainage systems,
- Enhancing connectivity between the Santasi Roundabout and the N8.
Dr. Forson described the project as “transformational,” noting that travel speeds are expected to more than triple, while journey times and freight delays will be drastically reduced.
He expressed government’s appreciation to JICA for its continued partnership with Ghana, stressing that the project forms part of a broader infrastructure agenda to modernize Kumasi’s road network.
Beyond the Inner Ring Road, other major projects currently ongoing or in the pipeline include:
1. The Suame Interchange and Local Roads,
2. The Sunyani Road (Phase 2),
3. The Konongo Bypass, and
4. The upcoming 45km Kumasi Outer Ring Road.
The Finance Minister assured that these investments, when completed, will significantly boost connectivity, enhance trade, and contribute to economic growth in both Kumasi and the wider Ashanti Region.
