Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced the signing of a ¥3 billion Japanese Yen grant agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to support the improvement of the Inner Ring Road in Kumasi, Ashanti Region.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Dr. Forson hailed the development as transformative for Kumasi.
“Good news for Oseikrom!” he declared
Dr. Forson emphasized the importance of the Inner Ring Road, describing it as a vital transport link within Kumasi.
He wrote, “The N6 and N8 within Kumasi and forming part of the Takoradi/Tema Ports–Ouagadougou Corridor.”
The project according to the minister aims to relieve chronic congestion and safety hazards caused by rapid traffic growth that has turned parts of the road into major bottlenecks.
Key interventions Dr. Forson stressed about include widening 3.2 kilometers of the road between the Santasi and Ahodwo Roundabouts, installing modern traffic signals to upgrade intersections, improving pedestrian facilities, enhancing drainage systems, and boosting connectivity between the Santasi Roundabout and the N8 highway.
Dr. Forson revealed that the improvements will lead to a dramatic increase in travel speeds more than tripling current rates while slashing journey times and boosting efficiency for both passenger and freight traffic.
He noted, “The transformation will be remarkable: travel speeds will more than triple, journey times will be cut drastically, and both passenger and freight movement will become far more efficient.”
The minister also acknowledged JICA’s generous support and reaffirmed the partnership between Japan and Ghana.
“We are deeply grateful to JICA for this generous support and continued partnership with Ghana,” he added.
He emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader government commitment to upgrading Kumasi’s infrastructure, citing ongoing projects such as the Suame Interchange, Sunyani Road Phase 2, Konongo Bypass, and the forthcoming 45km Kumasi Outer Ring Road.
Source: www.Kumasimail/Kwadwo Owusu
