The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Ghanaian government have inked a grant agreement worth ¥3 billion (Japanese Yen) to renovate Kumasi’s Inner Ring Road.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the finance minister, inked the deal today, which is expected to significantly reduce traffic and enhance mobility in the second-largest city in Ghana.
Part of the Takoradi/Tema Ports–Ouagadougou Corridor, the Inner Ring Road is a vital route connecting Kumasi’s N6 and N8.
Unfortunately, as traffic has increased, some parts of this road have become bottlenecks, posing a risk to road user safety due to congestion and delays. These issues are directly addressed by this effort.
The all-encompassing road repair project will provide:
• Widening of 3.2 km of road between Santasi and Ahodwo Roundabouts,
• Upgraded intersections with modern traffic signals,
• Enhanced pedestrian walkways and drainage systems, and
• Improved connectivity between Santasi Roundabout and the N8.
It is anticipated that when this length is finished, travel speeds will more than triple, cutting commuter travel times and increasing freight and passenger transportation efficiency.
Governs Kwame Agbodza, Minister of Roads and Highways, praised the JICA’s assistance and emphasised that the Inner Ring Road improvement is a component of a larger plan to transform Kumasi’s transport infrastructure.
“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, emphasised the grant’s wider significance.
“This project is especially significant as it marks the first Grant Aid to be newly delivered from the Government of Japan after TICAD 9 in August. It aligns directly with the Yokohama Declaration, which emphasizes improving transport connectivity as a driver of growth and prosperity,” he said.
Mr. Ryotaro emphasised that in addition to reducing traffic, the project will improve access to markets, schools, and hospitals, lower the chance of accidents, and create a safer, healthier urban environment in Kumasi.
Source: newsthemegh.com