The Government has secured a ¥3 billion (approximately US$20 million) grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to upgrade a key section of the Kumasi Inner Ring Road as part of efforts to improve road infrastructure and strengthen connectivity across the country.
Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review in Parliament on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson said the grant would finance the upgrade of the 3.2-kilometre Santasi–Ahodwo section of the Kumasi Inner Ring Road.
According to the Minister, the project will widen the existing road, improve intersections, enhance drainage systems and construct pedestrian facilities to ease traffic congestion and improve road safety within the Ashanti Regional capital.
Dr Forson also announced significant progress towards the reintroduction of road and bridge tolls under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act. He said negotiations with the selected concessionaire had been concluded, with the Government expecting to finalise the concession agreement and secure the required approvals before the end of 2026.
He said routine road maintenance had gathered momentum during the first half of the year, with works completed on 462 kilometres of trunk roads, 6,122 kilometres of feeder roads and 4,760 kilometres of urban roads by the end of June 2026.
The Government also carried out periodic maintenance, rehabilitation, drainage and culvert works across the country’s road network, while selected road projects in Sekondi and Takoradi had reached 95 per cent completion.
On the Accra–Kumasi Highway, Dr Forson said construction of bypasses at Osino, Anyinam, Enyiresi and Konongo was progressing steadily, with the various sections recording completion rates ranging from 60 per cent to 100 per cent.
The Finance Minister further disclosed that the Government, in partnership with JICA, was advancing the Volivo Cable-Stayed Bridge Project under the Eastern Corridor Development Programme.
He explained that the project involves the construction of a 540-metre cable-stayed bridge across the Volta River at Volivo, featuring a 280-metre main span, making it more than 200 metres longer than the Adomi Bridge.
The bridge will provide two traffic lanes, dedicated pedestrian walkways and modern safety features to improve transport links between the Volta, Eastern and Oti regions. It is also expected to boost trade, tourism and regional integration along the Eastern Corridor.
Following the completion of a new competitive procurement process with JICA, construction of the bridge is expected to begin in March 2027. The project will also facilitate the implementation of the Asutsuare Junction–Volivo Bridge Road.
Dr Forson added that construction works on the Dufor Adidome–Asikuma Junction and Asutsuare–Aveyime Road sections were continuing as part of the Government’s commitment to expanding and modernising Ghana’s transport infrastructure.
The announcements formed part of the Government’s account of progress in the roads sector during the presentation of the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review, delivered on the authority of President John Dramani Mahama.
