By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has defended the modification of the Suame Interchange project, insisting the changes are aimed at achieving value for money while minimising disruption to surrounding communities.
In a detailed response to concerns raised by the NPP Ashanti Caucus, the Minister clarified that the project has not been downgraded, stressing that the interchange remains a three-tier structure, not a two-tier compromise as alleged.
According to Mr. Agbodza, the decision to drop the fourth-tier bridge from the original design was informed by the excessive cost implications and the scale of demolitions it would have required. He explained that the original configuration would have affected major infrastructure, including the Garden City Mall, the Suame Police Station and several commercial properties.
He noted that compensation payments and utility relocation under the initial design were projected to exceed 50 per cent of the actual construction cost, expenses that were not captured in the original budget.
The Roads Minister further explained that the redesign aligns with new transport developments under government’s Big Push infrastructure programme, particularly the commencement of the Kumasi Outer Ring Road from Boankra to Akom. The new route is expected to divert heavy north–south traffic away from the Kumasi central business district, reducing pressure on the Suame intersection.
As a result, the anticipated traffic volumes no longer justify the more extensive four-tier structure, making the revised design more efficient and less destructive, he said.
Mr. Agbodza also dismissed claims that funds were being diverted from the Suame Interchange project, revealing that over GH¢3 billion has been committed to improving the surrounding road network. This includes the rehabilitation of the N10 road from Abusuakuruwa to Akom.
“The Suame Interchange is being modified in light of new developments within the greater Kumasi environs,” the Minister stated, adding that work is also ongoing to complete the Inner Ring Road from Asokwa to Sofoline to enhance traffic flow within the metropolis.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways maintains that the revised design offers a superior solution, with fewer demolitions, improved efficiency and a longer total length of new roads to serve Kumasi and its expanding transport needs.
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Source:
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