The World Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kumasi in urban mobility improvements through its collaboration on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, a vital component of the Kumasi Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (KUMAP).
Mr. Ousmane Diagana, Regional Vice President for Western and Central Africa said this when he led a high-level delegation from the World Bank to pay a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.
The meeting, held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, last Friday, discussed the potential impact and feasibility of the BRT initiative for the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area.
The World Bank Regional Vice President for Western and Central Africa said the KUMAP project seeks to address the growing transportation challenges facing Kumasi, which is one of the largest cities, as it experiences rapid population growth.
He mentioned that the project also aims to introduce an efficient, sustainable and integrated transport system across Kumasi and its surrounding districts, including Ejisu, Kwadaso, Oforikrom and Atwima Nwabiagya South.
Mr. Ousmane Diagana expressed the World Bank’s strong support for the BRT initiative, which aligns with the World Bank’s broader development goals, including improving infrastructure and ensuring inclusive growth across the region and emphasised the importance of urban mobility for fostering inclusive and sustainable development in Ghana.
He assured Otumfuo Osei Tutu II that the World Bank would provide the necessary financial and technical support, once the Government of Ghana submits its proposal.
“We are fully committed to collaborating with the Government of Ghana to enhance transportation systems in Kumasi and we are excited to support this vital project,” Mr. Diagana said.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in reaction expressed his profound gratitude to the World Bank for its continued support for Ghana’s development, particularly in the area of transportation infrastructure.
The King emphasised the importance of the BRT project in transforming Kumasi’s transport system, which is vital for the city’s growing population and overall urban development.
“We are deeply grateful to the World Bank for its sustained commitment to Ghana’s growth. I am confident that this project will enhance transportation in Kumasi,” he stated.
Mr. Randy Wilson, Head of Transport Department at KMA acknowledged the importance of the BRT project for improving transportation in the City and stressed on the project’s improvement and its impact on improving productivity and job creation.
