The Government of Ghana has signed a ¥3 billion (Japanese Yen) grant agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to finance the upgrading of the Kumasi Inner Ring Road.
The agreement, signed in Accra by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, is aimed at easing traffic congestion, improving mobility and enhancing safety along one of the busiest road corridors in the Ashanti regional capital.
The Inner Ring Road, which connects the N6 and N8 highways and forms part of the Takoradi/Tema Ports-Ouagadougou corridor, has become a major bottleneck as traffic volumes in Kumasi continue to grow.
Officials say the project will directly tackle congestion, delays and accident risks along the stretch.
The initiative will involve the widening of a 3.2-kilometre section between Santasi and Ahodwo roundabouts, upgrading of intersections with modern traffic signals, construction of improved pedestrian walkways, installation of new drainage systems and better connectivity between Santasi Roundabout and the N8.
When completed, average travel speeds on the stretch are expected to more than triple, cutting journey times for commuters and boosting efficiency for both passenger and freight transport.
Mr Governs Kwame Agbodza, Minister for Roads and Highways, welcomed the support, describing it as part of a broader effort to transform Kumasi’s road network.
“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 after 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.
