Ghana secures $36.50 million grant from Japan for roads projects
Ghana and Japan, have signed a $36.50 million grant agreement for the Tema-Motorway Roundabout Phase II construction project and additional funding for the rehabilitation of the National Truck Road N8 (Assin Foso-Assin Praso Section) Phase II.
Mr Araki Yasumichi, Chief Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Ghana Office, signed for his country, while Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, Finance Minister, signed for Ghana.
The $33.20 million funding will be used to complete Phase II of the Tema-Motorway Roundabout Project, which will include the construction of a flyover connecting the Tema-Harbour Road and the Akosombo Road.
An additional $3.30 million is being provided to supplement the funds for National Truck Road N8 Phase II repair. The entire cost of the N8 project now stands at around $60.38 million.
Given the increase in vehicular traffic and a rapidly growing urban population, the grant will make a significant contribution to Ghana’s transportation sector.
The two initiatives would improve trade and transit in the West African sub-region, increase safety along the corridors, and stimulate local trade.
On behalf of the people and government of Ghana, Mr Ofori-Atta extended gratitude to the Japanese government and people for their generous gesture.
He also expressed gratitude for their long-term contributions to Ghana’s development endeavours.
Meanwhile, Mr Araki, believes the Tema-Motorway Roundabout Phase II Project will enhance the interchange’s functionality.
He said that the project will directly benefit Tema Harbour’s operation while also facilitating trade between Ghana and its neighbours, such as Togo, Burkina Faso, and the Ivory Coast.
Mr Araki explained that the additional grant amount for the N8 (Phase II) restoration, which is presently underway, was required to cover expenditures incurred as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, which forced the building of the N8 to be temporarily halted.
He stated that JICA would continue to work closely with the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Ghana Highway Authority, and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the two projects.
Mr Araki reiterated that JICA had been maximizing the use of Japanese technological capacity in order to contribute to Ghana’s economic and social development.
“Japanese cooperation has contributed to providing over 760 kilometres of national trunk roads, a number of bridges in the past”, Mr Araki mentioned.
Source: Richard Mensah Adonu | Join our Telegram Group
