Mr. Akwasi Amoako Atta, Minister of Roads and Highways, at the sod-cutting ceremony for the commencement of the Suame Interchange, has stated that Kumasi is the largest city in Ghana, with an estimated population of 3.6 million.
The road network of the city generally comprises of a ring road and spokes. Most of the intersections have exceeded their capacities and were experiencing severe congestion during peak hours.
The challenged at these intersections have been clearly identified in the Kumasi Transport Plans, which has identified the Suame roundabout Intersection as the worst of all, experiencing delays and safety issues.
The Government of Ghana, acting through the Ministry of Roads and Highways, therefore, intends to upgrade the Suame roundabout into a 4-tier interchange, the fourth in Kumasi, together with five other intersections in close proximity that influence the operations of the intersection.
The project will also improve some selected roads and intersections along the various routes.
He stated that the project, when completed, would reduce congestion and travel time, improve safety through a reduction in road accidents, and improve quality of life of commuters in Suame and its environs.
The project would be undertaken under two components – the first comprises the 4-tier Suame Interchange and grade separated intersections at Abrepo Junction and Krofrom Junction, and the second three overpasses and local road works.
Component one of the project would be constructed by Tango Construction Company Limited, a local firm, in a joint venture with Dizmar of Spain, while the second component would be undertaken solely by Rango Construction Company Limited.
Messrs Associated Consultants Limited (ACON) would be the supervising consultants on the project, with the Department of Urban Roads as the implementing agency under the Ministry of Roads and Highways.
President Akufo-Addo on his part said the project was the second 4-tier interchange in Ghana, and would improve urban mobility when completed.
He disclosed that the overpasses would link Abusuakrowa, Suame, Anomangye, Abrepo and Krofrom, and assured Ghanaians that the government would ensure that every part of Ghana had standard roads.
He said Subin, Oforikrom, Nhyiaeso, Nwabiagya South and Old Tafo townships roads were on course at 75% completion.
He said the Feeder Roads Department had given 68 km of roads in the Ashanti Region through Sinohydro projects on contract, adding that the Anwiankwanta Obuasi road, Lake Bosomtwe roads projects were 95% completed.
He noted that, the Denkyemuoso, Agric Nzima 10.5 km roads are at 30% completion stage.
He called on Ghanaians to help “build the Ghana we all want.”
He indicated that the project, when completed, was expected to improve the capacity to support the continued traffic growth and would complement other completed and planned road projects to form a resilient network and meet travel demands.
