Gov’t Secures ¥3 Billion JICA Grant to Upgrade Kumasi Inner Ring Road and Ease Congestion

The Government of Ghana has signed a ¥3 billion (Japanese Yen) grant agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to upgrade the Inner Ring Road in Kumasi.

The agreement, signed on Thursday, October 2, 2025, by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is expected to drastically reduce congestion and improve mobility in Ghana’s second-largest city.

The Inner Ring Road, a vital corridor linking the N6 and N8 within Kumasi and forming part of the Takoradi/Tema Ports–Ouagadougou Corridor, has increasingly become a bottleneck due to rising traffic volumes, delays, and safety risks.

Key Project Features

The road improvement initiative will include:

• 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.

When completed, travel speeds on the stretch are expected to triple, significantly reducing journey times for commuters and improving efficiency for both passenger and freight transport.

Broader Transport Vision for Kumasi

Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, praised the JICA support, stressing that the Inner Ring Road upgrade is part of a larger transformation agenda for 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.

JICA’s Commitment

Mr. ODA Ryotaro, Senior Representative of JICA Ghana, said the grant marks the first Grant Aid project from Japan after TICAD 9 in August and aligns with the Yokohama Declaration, which prioritises transport connectivity as a driver of growth.

“This project will not only ease congestion but also strengthen access to schools, hospitals, and markets, reduce accident risks, and foster a safer, healthier urban environment in Kumasi,” he added.

The project is expected to kickstart within the coming months, bringing much-needed relief to residents and businesses grappling with Kumasi’s growing traffic challenges.