The government has secured a ¥3 billion Japanese Yen (about USD 20 million) grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to upgrade the Inner Ring Road in Kumasi.

The facility was disclosed by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson after signing the agreement in Accra.

The Inner Ring Road, which connects the N6 and N8 within Kumasi and forms part of the Takoradi/Tema Ports–Ouagadougou Corridor, has become heavily congested due to rapid traffic growth, creating bottlenecks, delays, and safety concerns for commuters and freight operators.

According to Dr. Forson, the project will widen 3.2 kilometres of road between the Santasi and Ahodwo Roundabouts, upgrade intersections with modern traffic signals, and improve pedestrian facilities and drainage systems. It will also enhance connectivity between Santasi Roundabout and the N8.

The transformation is expected to significantly improve traffic flow, with travel speeds projected to more than triple. Journey times will be cut drastically, and both passenger and freight movement across Kumasi will become far more efficient.

Dr. Forson expressed appreciation to JICA for the grant, describing it as a demonstration of Japan’s long-standing partnership with Ghana.