JICA confirms fresh funding for Volivo Bridge, Kumasi Ring Road projects
Two major infrastructure projects — the Volivo Bridge and the Kumasi Inner Ring Road — are poised for take-off following renewed engagements between Ghana and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on the sidelines of the ongoing IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C.
The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, disclosed this after a meeting with JICA Senior Vice- President, Ando Naoki, where discussions focused on Ghana’s economic progress and ongoing infrastructure priorities.
Dr Forson reaffirmed that Ghana had moved beyond the economic crisis of 2022, noting that the country’s debt is now on a sustainable path and that it was on course to return to a moderate risk of debt distress.
Additional funding
Regarding the Volivo Bridge project, Mr Naoki indicated that based on Ghana’s improved macroeconomic outlook, JICA was confident of securing additional funding to support its execution.
He expressed optimism that the contractor would mobilise by the end of the year to commence construction of the bridge.
The JICA Vice-President further provided an update on the Kumasi Inner Ring Road, confirming that the tender process was currently ongoing, positioning the project for take-off once procurement procedures are finalised.
Background
The Volivo Bridge is a flagship project under President John Dramani Mahama’s $10 billion “Big Push” infrastructure initiative.
Designed to be Ghana’s tallest bridge, it will be a 540-metre cable-stayed structure with 51-metre towers and a 280-metre main span, 200 metres longer than the Adomi Bridge.
The bridge will span the Volta Lake to complete the vital Eastern Corridor Road, significantly improving connectivity between northern and southern Ghana to boost trade and economic development.
Kumasi roads
For the Kumasi Inner Ring Road, Ghana, in October 2025, signed a ¥3 billion (approximately $19 million) grant agreement with JICA for the project.
The scope includes widening a 3.2-kilometre stretch between the Santasi and Ahodwo roundabouts, installing modern traffic signals at key intersections, improving pedestrian walkways and drainage systems, and enhancing connectivity between the Santasi Roundabout and the N8 corridor.
Completion is expected to more than triple travel speeds along the corridor.
The project is part of a broader Kumasi transport plan that also includes the Suame Interchange and a future 45-kilometre Outer Ring Road.
