Government secures ¥3 billion JICA grant to transform Kumasi's Inner Ring Road

The Government of Ghana has signed a ¥3 billion (Japanese Yen) grant agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to overhaul the Inner Ring Road in Kumasi. The agreement, signed on Thursday October 2, 2025, by Minister of Finance Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, is expected to drastically ease traffic congestion and improve mobility in Ghana’s second-largest city.

The Inner Ring Road is a critical artery linking the N6 and N8 within Kumasi and forming part of the Takoradi/Tema Ports–Ouagadougou Corridor. Rapid growth in traffic has turned sections of this road into bottlenecks, causing congestion, delays, and safety risks for road users.

The new project directly addresses these challenges. 'Dualising Accra-Cape Coast-Road will boost tourism, reduce accidents – President Mahama The comprehensive road improvement initiative will deliver: • Widening of 3.2 km of road between Santasi and Ahodwo Roundabouts • Upgraded intersections with modern traffic signals • Enhanced pedestrian walkways and drainage systems • Improved connectivity between Santasi Roundabout and the N8 Government and JICA reps after the signing ceremony in Accra Upon completion, travel speeds along this stretch are expected to more than triple, slashing journey times for commuters and boosting efficiency for both passenger and freight transport.

Minister of Finance Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza at the signing ceremony Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, welcomed JICA’s support, noting that the Inner Ring Road upgrade is part of a broader plan to transform Kumasi’s transport system. “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 45km Kumasi Outer Ring Road, our vision is to reshape Kumasi’s transport landscape and unlock economic and social opportunities for millions,” he said.

Senior Representative of JICA Ghana, ODA Ryotaro, highlighted the broader significance of the grant. An artistic impression of the yet-to-be completed Kumasi Inner Ring Road project “This project is especially significant as it marks the first Grant Aid to be newly delivered from the Government of Japan after TICAD 9 in August.

It aligns directly with the Yokohama Declaration, which emphasises improving transport connectivity as a driver of growth and prosperity,” he said. Beyond easing congestion, Ryotaro emphasised that the project will strengthen access to schools, hospitals, and markets, reduce accident risks, and foster a safer, healthier urban environment in Kumasi.

Source: GhanaWeb