By Enock Akonnor (Managing Editor) enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
+233 541921562
Ghana has taken a major step toward easing urban congestion and boosting trade connectivity with the signing of a ¥3 billion (Japanese Yen) grant agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The deal, announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on his official Facebook page, will finance a comprehensive upgrade of Kumasi’s Inner Ring Road; a critical transport artery within the Ashanti Region.
The grant reaffirms Japan’s long-standing development partnership with Ghana and marks a significant investment in Kumasi’s urban infrastructure, aimed at enhancing road safety, reducing traffic delays, and strengthening regional trade corridors.
“This project directly tackles the growing congestion and safety risks on the Inner Ring Road,” said Dr. Forson. “We are deeply grateful to JICA for their continued support.”
Strategic Importance of the Inner Ring Road
The Inner Ring Road connects Kumasi’s Santasi and Ahodwo Roundabouts and serves as a crucial link between the N6 and N8 highways.
It also forms part of the broader Takoradi/Tema Ports–Ouagadougou Corridor; a transnational route vital for transporting goods from Ghana’s ports to Burkina Faso and other Sahelian countries.
In recent years, Kumasi’s rapid urbanization and vehicle growth have transformed this once-efficient corridor into a frequent choke point. Sections of the road now suffer from chronic gridlock, increased travel times, and deteriorating pedestrian infrastructure.
What the Project Entails
The Japanese-funded initiative includes:
- Widening 3.2 km of road between Santasi and Ahodwo Roundabouts,
- Upgrading intersections with smart traffic lights,
- Installing new pedestrian walkways and drainage systems, and
- Improving connectivity to the N8 highway.
The improvements are expected to more than triple travel speeds, significantly reduce journey times, and boost the movement of both people and goods.
Beyond the Inner Ring: A Larger Vision for Kumasi
Dr. Forson emphasized that the Inner Ring Road upgrade is part of a broader urban development strategy for Kumasi. Key projects currently underway or planned include:
- The Suame Interchange and adjacent road networks,
- The Sunyani Road (Phase 2),
- The Konongo Bypass, and
- The upcoming 45km Kumasi Outer Ring Road.
Together, these initiatives aim to position Kumasi as a modern, accessible, and economically vibrant city; a regional logistics hub that serves both domestic and international trade.
A Model of International Cooperation
The grant agreement strengthens Ghana’s long-standing partnership with Japan, particularly in the areas of transport, health, and education. JICA has previously supported several infrastructure and capacity-building projects across Ghana, and this latest deal underscores a shared commitment to sustainable urban development.
As Ghana continues to invest in its physical infrastructure, experts say these projects will not only alleviate urban pressure but also attract new investments, enhance productivity, and improve quality of life in growing urban centers.
Source; www.leakyghana.com
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
Contact:
📞 +233 541 921 562
✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
