The local roads component of the Suame Interchange Phase Two project will be completed and opened to traffic by October 2026. This development, announced by James Oduro Amoo-Gottfried, Director-General of the Department of Urban Roads, aims to provide alternative routes for motorists and ease congestion in Kumasi.
The second phase covers approximately 15 kilometres of local roads within the project's influence area. It includes three overpasses at Anomangye, New Road, and Ebusuakruwa. The early completion of Phase Two is strategic, providing crucial alternative routes before major construction begins on the main interchange.
This infrastructure upgrade is vital for Ghana's economic growth, particularly in the Ashanti Region. Improved road networks facilitate trade, reduce transportation costs, and enhance productivity. The Suame Interchange project addresses long-standing traffic issues that hinder commercial activities and daily commutes in Kumasi, a major economic hub.
Speaking at a stakeholders' engagement in Kumasi, Ing. Amoo-Gottfried confirmed that work on both phases of the Suame Interchange project is progressing steadily. He stated, "Phase Two is almost complete, and hopefully by the end of October, we would have opened the road to traffic and allowed people to use it."
The completion of Phase Two will significantly impact local traders and structures situated within the project's right of way. These individuals, operating on a temporary basis, will need to relocate. The Suame Municipal Assembly will engage them to facilitate their movement, ensuring construction proceeds without delay. This relocation is a critical step for the project's timely delivery and will affect numerous small businesses.
Phase One involves constructing the main multi-tier interchange, including an overpass from Suame Roundabout to Abrepo Junction. It also includes widening the road along the Western Bypass. A grade-separated underpass will be built at Abrepo Junction, a highly congested area. This underpass will allow traffic from Bantama and the hospital area to pass directly towards Abrepo, while bypass traffic remains at ground level. These measures are designed to drastically improve traffic flow and reduce travel times in the city.
The overall Suame Interchange project represents a significant investment in Ghana's infrastructure. It aligns with the government's broader agenda to modernize transport networks across the country. Such projects are crucial for sustaining economic development and improving the quality of life for citizens. The successful completion of this interchange will serve as a model for future urban development initiatives.
Decision-makers and local businesses will closely monitor the relocation process and the subsequent impact on traffic flow. The project's success hinges on effective coordination between the Department of Urban Roads and the Suame Municipal Assembly. The timely opening of Phase Two by October 2026 will be a key milestone, demonstrating progress in addressing urban congestion challenges.