The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has announced that all outstanding debts owed to contractors working on the Suame Interchange project have been fully settled, paving the way for the resumption of construction works.
According to the Minister, the government has cleared all arrears dating back to 2024, removing a major bottleneck that had slowed progress on one of the region’s most critical infrastructure projects. He expressed optimism that the contractor will return to site promptly to continue work and ensure the timely completion of the interchange.
Dr. Amoakohene made this disclosure on Wednesday, April 1, while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a pilgrimage to Fomena to commemorate the historic Sagrenti War, an event observed as part of the ongoing AshantiFest celebrations.
His remarks come in the wake of growing frustration among traders and artisans operating at Suame Magazine, who recently staged a protest by blocking sections of the road near the project site. The demonstrators cited excessive dust pollution and prolonged delays in completing the interchange, which they say have disrupted business activities and posed health risks.
Responding to these concerns, the Minister assured that the settlement of the outstanding payments has addressed the financial constraints that contributed to the slowdown of the project.
“All debts owed to the contractors from 2024 have been paid, and work will resume on the interchange from next week,” Dr. Amoakohene stated, expressing confidence that the renewed momentum would accelerate progress.
The Suame Interchange project is a key component of efforts to ease traffic congestion in Kumasi and improve connectivity within the Ashanti Region. Its completion is expected to significantly enhance transportation efficiency, particularly for the thousands of artisans and businesses operating within the Suame industrial enclave.
Beyond the interchange, Dr. Amoakohene revealed that government is intensifying efforts to upgrade other critical road networks across the region. He specifically mentioned ongoing plans to improve the Mankranso and Santasi roads as part of a broader strategy to boost infrastructure development and support economic growth.
He emphasized that the government remains committed to addressing infrastructure challenges in the Ashanti Region, noting that improved roads are essential for trade, mobility, and overall development.
The Minister further appealed to residents, traders, and motorists to exercise patience and cooperate with authorities as construction resumes, assuring them that measures would be put in place to mitigate the impact of dust and other inconveniences associated with the project.
With funding concerns now resolved, stakeholders are hopeful that the Suame Interchange project will regain momentum and deliver on its promise of transforming transportation in Kumasi and beyond.
