Gov’t secures ¥3bn JICA grant to upgrade Kumasi roads
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Government of Ghana has secured a ¥3 billion grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to upgrade the Kumasi Inner Ring Road.
The agreement, signed in Accra by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, aims to ease traffic congestion, improve mobility and enhance safety along this busy corridor in the Ashanti regional capital.
The project will widen a 3.2-kilometre section between the Santasi and Ahodwo roundabouts, upgrade intersections with modern traffic signals, improve pedestrian walkways, install new drainage systems and enhance connectivity to the N8 highway.
Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, praised JICA’s support as part of a broader plan to transform Kumasi’s road network, including the Suame Interchange and the Kumasi Outer Ring Road.
“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 45-kilometre Kumasi Outer Ring Road, our vision is to reshape Kumasi’s transport landscape and unlock economic and social opportunities for millions,” he said.
Mr Oda Ryotaro, Senior Representative of JICA Ghana, said the grant marked an important milestone in Ghana–Japan cooperation, noting that it was the first grant aid to be delivered following the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in August.
He said the project was aligned with the Yokohama Declaration, which emphasises improved transport connectivity as a driver of growth and prosperity.
Mr Ryotaro added that beyond easing congestion, the intervention would improve access to schools, hospitals and markets, reduce accident risks and help create a safer and healthier urban environment in Kumasi.
