The Roads Minister says government has initiated various road projects to be undertaken in Kumasi so as to give the Ashanti Region a major facelift.

These projects, according to Kwesi Amoako Atta will include the construction of four interchanges at Suame, Oforikrom, Airport Roundabout and Ahodwo Santasi all in the capital city of Kumasi.

“By the time we finish the new roads together with all the interchanges, and also improve the road network generally in Kumasi, Ashanti Region will be a place to visit because people will be comfortable when driving.

“Not only will there not be traffic but the roads will also be smooth and people can enjoy this within the next two to three years.”

Speaking at a press brief in the regional capital Monday, the Minister said plans are far advance for the commencement of the over 150 projects which have all been sourced to local contractors.

“Four major interchanges are going to get started within Kumasi. And we have gone far with the process. We also have a bypass program in the pipeline. This will be done to create additional travel options for commuters.  

"A number of roads outside Kumasi are also being undertaken, there are about 156 projects that are currently being done in the Ashanti region. And these projects are being done by strong contractors in our nation."

Mr Amoako Atta also revealed that phase two of the Abuakwa-Tanoso stretch on the Kumasi-Sunyani road will be started by the end of May.

According to the Minister, although phase one remains uncompleted, work on both will run concurrently.

“We have done 56% of the job and the rest will be done. We know how important this project is to residents and Ghanaians. The EPA authorities have improved the contract for phase two and work shall commence before the end of May.

"I want to assure people that the government of Nana Akufo-Addo is tackling the Sofoline interchange and we shall within the next one to two months finish the first phase and since we have approval from EPA, the next part will also begin.”

Residents of Abuakwa and its environs in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of the Ashanti Region took to the streets in September last year to demonstrate against the delay in the execution of the Sofoline interchange project and other road-related matters in the district.

They complained of the heavy traffic jam as a result of the delay in the project. 

Started in August 2007, the project that spans some 11 kilometres is yet to be completed.