JICA backs Ghana again: Volivo Bridge and Kumasi Ring Road set for take-off
Ghana is set to advance two major transport infrastructure projects following renewed financing assurances from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), as discussions on the country’s economic recovery and investment priorities continue at the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C.
The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, disclosed that fresh engagements with JICA had paved the way for progress on the Volivo Bridge and the Kumasi Inner Ring Road. The announcement followed a bilateral meeting with JICA Senior Vice President, Ando Naoki, where both sides reviewed Ghana’s improving macroeconomic outlook and infrastructure pipeline.
Dr Forson reiterated that Ghana had emerged from the economic crisis of 2022, stressing that public debt was now on a sustainable trajectory and that the country was on course to return to a moderate risk of debt distress, a development that has strengthened investor confidence.
On the Volivo Bridge project, Mr Naoki said JICA was encouraged by Ghana’s economic recovery and was confident of mobilising additional funding to support construction. He expressed optimism that the contractor would be ready to move to site before the end of the year.
He also provided an update on the Kumasi Inner Ring Road, noting that the procurement process was ongoing, with the project expected to commence once tender procedures are completed.
The Volivo Bridge, a flagship component of President John Dramani Mahama’s “Big Push” infrastructure agenda, is designed to become Ghana’s tallest bridge. The 540-metre cable-stayed structure will span the Volta Lake and is expected to significantly enhance connectivity along the Eastern Corridor, facilitating trade between the northern and southern parts of the country.
Meanwhile, the Kumasi Inner Ring Road project forms part of a broader urban transport improvement strategy. Ghana signed a ¥3 billion grant agreement with JICA in October 2025 to support the initiative, which includes road widening, installation of traffic signals, and upgrades to pedestrian and drainage infrastructure along a key stretch between Santasi and Ahodwo.
When completed, the project is expected to ease congestion and substantially improve travel times within the Kumasi metropolis, while complementing other major interventions such as the Suame Interchange and the proposed Outer Ring Road.
The renewed commitment from JICA underscores growing confidence among development partners in Ghana’s economic recovery and its capacity to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects.
