The Government of Ghana has signed a ¥3 billion grant agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to modernise Kumasi’s Inner Ring Road, a critical artery in the Ashanti regional capital.
The agreement, signed on Friday by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, is expected to ease chronic traffic congestion, improve mobility, and enhance safety in Ghana’s second-largest city.
The Inner Ring Road links the N6 and N8 highways and forms part of the Takoradi/Tema Ports–Ouagadougou Corridor. Rapid growth in vehicle traffic has turned sections of the stretch into bottlenecks, leading to severe delays and safety risks for road users.
The project will deliver a comprehensive upgrade, including:
Widening of 3.2 km of road between Santasi and Ahodwo roundabouts,
Upgraded intersections with modern traffic signals,
Enhanced pedestrian walkways and drainage systems, and
Improved connectivity between Santasi Roundabout and the N8.
Authorities expect travel speeds on the corridor to more than triple once works are complete, drastically cutting journey times for commuters and improving freight and passenger transport efficiency.
Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, said the intervention was part of a wider transformation of Kumasi’s transport 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 km Kumasi Outer Ring Road, our vision is to reshape Kumasi’s transport landscape and unlock economic and social opportunities for millions,” he said.
JICA Ghana’s Senior Representative, ODA Ryotaro, noted that the project carried special significance, being the first new Grant Aid to follow the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) held in August.
“This project is especially significant as it marks the first Grant Aid to be newly delivered from the Government of Japan after TICAD 9. It aligns directly with the Yokohama Declaration, which emphasises improving transport connectivity as a driver of growth and prosperity,” he said.
Mr Ryotaro added that beyond easing congestion, the upgrade would improve access to schools, hospitals, and markets, reduce accident risks, and promote a safer and healthier urban environment in Kumasi.
