John Mahama announces construction of Kumasi Western Bypass under ‘Big Push Programme’

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will soon commence construction of the Kumasi Western Bypass as part of the ‘Big Push Programme.’ The project aims to ease traffic congestion in the city, particularly for heavy articulated cargo trucks.

Speaking during a meeting with the clergy on Sunday, President Mahama explained that the bypass would provide an alternative route, allowing trucks to connect to the Mampong and Techiman roads through Ejisu instead of passing through the city.

“Under the Big Push Programme, we’ll commence construction of the Kumasi Western Bypass. This will remove unnecessary traffic, especially the heavy articulated cargo trucks that come through the city,” he stated.

Beyond the bypass, President Mahama assured that efforts were being made to ensure the continuation of the Suame Interchange and Kejetia Market Phase II projects. He acknowledged that many road projects were started without dedicated funding but emphasized the need to secure financial resources to complete them.

“Other projects such as the Suame Interchange and other road works were commenced without dedicated funding. But we have to look for sources of funding. We are looking for sources of funding to speed up the work on this project so that we can ease the condition and inconvenience that the residents of Kumasi face,” he said.

Regarding the stalled Kejetia Market Phase II project, which was impacted by Ghana’s debt exchange programme, President Mahama expressed optimism that construction would resume now that negotiations with the official creditor committee have concluded.

“Kumasi Market, Kejetia Market Phase II has come to a standstill because it was affected by the debt exchange. Now that we have finished the official negotiations with the official creditor committee, it opens the way for us to have bilateral discussions with the lenders in order that they can resume work,” he added.

The ‘Big Push Programme’ is a major infrastructure initiative aimed at accelerating development and easing transportation challenges across the country.