Government clears $29.5m debt on Suame interchange

The government has settled $29.5 million owed to contractors on the Suame Interchange Project, signalling renewed momentum for the major road development.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, during an inspection visit to the project site on Tuesday, April 28.

According to the Minister, the payment forms part of a broader commitment by the government to ensure the completion of ongoing and inherited road infrastructure projects across the country.

Mr Agbodza further disclosed that an additional GH¢3 billion has been approved to accelerate construction works and enhance the overall quality of the project.

“We are still back on schedule to complete the interchange itself. We are not taking a cedi out of the interchange project; we are rather adding GH¢3 billion to enhance it,” he said.

He explained that the injection of funds would not only speed up work but also ensure that the final output meets the expected engineering and safety standards.

The Minister expressed optimism about the progress of the project, noting that despite earlier delays, work is now back on track.

“We intend to complete this project by the end of 2028, but the section on which we are standing now will be completed by the end of this year,” he added.

The Suame Interchange Project is considered one of the most critical road infrastructure developments in the Ashanti Region, aimed at easing congestion and improving traffic flow within Kumasi and its surrounding areas.

Over the years, the project has faced challenges, including funding constraints and delays in payments to contractors, which slowed progress. However, the recent settlement of outstanding debts is expected to boost contractor confidence and accelerate execution.

Mr Agbodza emphasised that the government remains focused on delivering quality infrastructure that supports economic growth and improves transportation efficiency nationwide.

He noted that beyond Suame, similar efforts are being made to address challenges affecting other road projects to ensure timely completion.

The Minister’s visit also served as an opportunity to assess the pace of work and engage contractors on meeting revised timelines.

With funding challenges being addressed and additional resources committed, expectations are high that the Suame Interchange Project will be completed as scheduled and deliver the intended relief to motorists and residents.

The project, once completed, is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve road safety, and enhance economic activity in one of Ghana’s busiest urban corridors.