In a decisive blend of tradition and infrastructure development, a major cultural barrier to the construction of the Kumasi Outer Ring Road has been removed, particularly along the stretch that passes through Juaben.

At a solemn ceremony held along the designated route in Juaben, traditional authorities, acting under the instruction and direction of the Juabenhene and former Chairman of the Council of State, Nana Otuo Siriboe II, performed sacred rites to clear the way for construction works under government’s Big Push programme.

The ceremony involved the slaughtering of sheep and the pouring of libation to rivers and deities believed to inhabit the land. These customary rites were undertaken to seek spiritual approval and protection for the project, in line with long-standing traditions of the area.

The significance of the ritual extends beyond symbolism. By pacifying the land and its spiritual custodians, the rites formally permit contractors to undertake construction activities without restriction, including working on traditionally sacred days and during night hours. This effectively removes a critical constraint that could have delayed progress on this key segment of the project.

The event brought together chiefs and courtiers of the Juaben Traditional Area, including Nana Obugya Asante III, Asuminamhene of Juaben, alongside contractors working on the project and officials from the Urban Roads Department.

The Kumasi Outer Ring Road is a strategic component of the Big Push infrastructure agenda, expected to ease congestion within the Kumasi metropolis and improve connectivity across key economic corridors. The Juaben stretch is particularly critical, linking fast-growing peri-urban communities and supporting regional mobility.

With the spiritual and traditional hurdle now cleared, construction along the Juaben section is expected to proceed without interruption, reinforcing government’s commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure on schedule.