To improve the Inner Ring Road in Kumasi, the government has obtained a grant of ¥3 billion Japanese yen (about USD 20 million) from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Following the agreement’s signing in Accra, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson revealed the facility. Fast traffic growth has made the Inner Ring Road, which runs between Kumasi’s N6 and N8 and is a part of the Takoradi/Tema Ports–Ouagadougou Corridor, extremely crowded.
This has led to delays, bottlenecks, and safety issues for both freight operators and commuters.
The project, according to Dr. Forson, will widen 3.2 kilometers of road between the Santasi and Ahodwo Roundabouts, improve drainage systems and pedestrian amenities, and modernize intersections with contemporary traffic signals.
Additionally, it will improve communication between the N8 and Santasi Roundabout. With travel speeds predicted to more than triple, the change is anticipated to greatly improve traffic flow.
Travel times will be significantly reduced, and Kumasi’s freight and passenger transportation will be much more effective. Dr. Forson thanked JICA for the donation, saying it was an example of Japan’s long-standing collaboration with Ghana.
The Suame Interchange and local roads, the Sunyani Road Phase 2, the Konongo Bypass, and the upcoming 45-kilometer Kumasi Outer Ring Road are all part of the Ashanti Region’s larger infrastructure program, he continued.