JICA reaffirms support for Ghana’s Volivo Bridge, Kumasi Ring Road projects

Ghana has secured renewed financing assurances from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for two major transport infrastructure projects, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced on Wednesday.

The update followed a bilateral meeting between Dr. Forson and JICA Senior Vice President Ando Naoki on the sidelines of the ongoing IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C.

Discussions centred on Ghana’s improving macroeconomic outlook and its infrastructure pipeline, with Mr. Naoki expressing encouragement over the country’s economic recovery.

Contractor to Move to Site by Year End

On the Volivo Bridge project, the JICA Senior Vice President said the agency 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.

The 540-metre cable-stayed structure, designed to become Ghana’s tallest bridge, will span the Volta Lake. It is a flagship component of President John Dramani Mahama’s “Big Push” infrastructure agenda and is expected to significantly enhance connectivity along the Eastern Corridor, facilitating trade between the country’s northern and southern parts.

Procurement Ongoing for Kumasi Ring Road

Mr. Naoki also provided an update on the Kumasi Inner Ring Road, noting that the procurement process was ongoing. The project is expected to commence once tender procedures are completed.

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, complementing other major interventions such as the Suame Interchange and the proposed Outer Ring Road.

Debt Now on Sustainable Trajectory – Forson

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.

“That development has strengthened investor confidence,” the Minister said.

The renewed commitment from JICA, analysts say, underscores growing confidence among development partners in Ghana’s economic recovery and its capacity to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects.