The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has assured the public that the government is actively addressing financial and logistical challenges to ensure the timely completion of the Suame interchange in Kumasi and other key infrastructure projects.

The Suame interchange project has experienced significant delays due to funding shortages, difficulties in relocating pipelines belonging to the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), and outstanding compensation payments to individuals affected by the project.

Contractors are currently advancing with phase two of the project, which includes the construction of three overpasses and the widening of a 3.1-kilometre stretch of road. Additionally, work on a further 15 kilometres of local roads is nearing completion.

The three overpasses at Anomangye, Suame New Road, and Abusuakruwa are progressing, with contractors aiming to complete them within the next two months.

However, phase one, which includes the main four-tier Suame Interchange, is only 13 per cent complete. A major hindrance to progress remains the relocation of GWCL pipelines.

During a site visit, James Amoo-Gottfried, Director of the Department of Urban Roads, provided an update on the project’s status and called for government intervention to resolve the financial and technical challenges.

“The challenge lies with the Ghana Water pipeline within the roundabout area. Although some piling work has been completed, there are still unresolved issues, and discussions with Ghana Water are ongoing to find the best solution. We hope to resolve this and open the site as soon as possible,” he explained.

Mr Agbodza reiterated the government’s commitment to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring that work continues efficiently to meet the project’s completion deadlines.

“We are aware that the reallocated funds will not cover all phases of the project, but we are grateful to the contractors for the progress made. Phase two is largely complete, leaving phase one as the critical component,” Agbodza said.

He added, “While the full complement of the bridge is not yet finished, President Mahama is committed to ensuring the completion of such critical projects. I will brief him on the current status and discuss the way forward to secure the necessary resources for completion.”