The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has announced that government has paid more than $25 million owed to contractors working on the Suame Interchange project, paving the way for accelerated work and expected completion.
The minister disclosed this during a meeting with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace on Friday, as part of a government delegation led by Ashanti Regional Minister Frank Amoakohene.
According to Mr. Agbodza, the settlement of the outstanding debt accumulated during Ghana’s economic challenges in 2022 will enable the contractor to fully mobilize to site and expedite progress on the long-delayed interchange project in Kumasi.
“We expect the contractor to be fully mobilized on site to complete the project,” he said, emphasizing government’s renewed commitment to critical road infrastructure under the administration of John Dramani Mahama.
Orbital road project to ease congestion
Beyond the Suame Interchange, the minister outlined plans for a major road infrastructure expansion aimed at decongesting Kumasi. He revealed that government is designing a comprehensive orbital, or ring road, expected to span over 100 kilometers around the city.
The proposed project will allow motorists who do not need to enter Kumasi’s central business district to bypass it entirely, reducing pressure on key routes, including the Suame Interchange.
“As is done in major cities around the world, this orbital will enable drivers to go around Kumasi and re-enter at their preferred points without contributing to congestion in the city center,” Mr. Agbodza explained.
He added that construction of a key bypass stretch approximately 47 kilometers from Ejisu is already underway.
No reduction in project scope
Addressing concerns about possible downsizing of the Suame Interchange project, the minister assured the Asantehene that government has no intention of cutting costs at the expense of quality or scope.
“We do not intend to take a pesewa out of the project. Any savings made will be reinvested into related infrastructure, including other critical interchanges,” he said.
Mr. Agbodza noted that additional projects, including the Mampong Interchange, remain priorities and will benefit from any reallocation of resources.
Commitment to Ashanti Region development
The minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to infrastructure development in the Ashanti Region, stressing that ongoing and planned investments—estimated at billions of cedis—are aimed at improving mobility and supporting economic growth.
He assured Otumfuo that engineers are working closely with contractors to finalize designs that integrate the Suame Interchange with the broader bypass and orbital road systems.
“We will provide full details in due course,” he said.
The visit formed part of broader consultations between government and traditional authorities on key development projects in the region.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
