The Government of Ghana has signed a ¥3 billion (Japanese Yen) grant agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to upgrade a key section of the Kumasi Inner Ring Road in the Ashanti Region, a move expected to ease traffic congestion and improve transportation efficiency.

The agreement, signed by Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, will finance the improvement of a 3.2-kilometre stretch of road between the Santasi and Ahodwo Roundabouts. The Inner Ring Road is a vital link between the N6 and N8 highways and forms part of the strategic Takoradi-Tema Ports–Ouagadougou Corridor.

Rapid growth in vehicular traffic has, over the years, turned parts of the corridor into severe bottlenecks, creating congestion, delays, and safety challenges for commuters and freight operators.

The project, the Finance Minister and Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, say, is designed to directly address these issues.

Key features of the initiative include:

Widening of the Santasi–Ahodwo stretch,

Upgrading major intersections with modern traffic signals,

Improving pedestrian infrastructure and drainage systems, and

Enhancing connectivity between Santasi Roundabout and the N8.

According to Dr. Forson, the transformation will be “remarkable,” with average travel speeds expected to more than triple, journey times reduced significantly, and the overall flow of both passenger and freight traffic improved.

The JICA-funded project is part of a broader programme of infrastructure development in Kumasi.

Other ongoing and planned works include:

The Suame Interchange and associated local roads,

Phase Two of the Sunyani Road,

The Konongo Bypass, and

The forthcoming 45-kilometre Kumasi Outer Ring Road.

Ghana’s partnership with JICA has long been pivotal in strengthening infrastructure and economic development.

This latest agreement underscores continued cooperation between the two countries to modernise key transport networks.