In a significant move towards enhancing infrastructure in Ghana, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has finalized a grant agreement with the African Development Bank (AfDB) amounting to $12.83 million. This funding is aimed at supporting vital feasibility studies and design developments under the government’s ambitious Big Push programme.
The agreement was signed in Accra with Eyerusalem Fasika, the outgoing Country Manager for the AfDB in Ghana. The funding will facilitate thorough feasibility studies, which will include comprehensive designs, cost assessments, and environmental as well as social impact evaluations for several key projects.
Among the initiatives to be supported is a proposed interchange near the 37 Military Hospital, intended to alleviate traffic congestion in the capital city. Additionally, the grant will cover the redevelopment of four modern markets located in Agbogbloshie, Techiman, Sekondi, and Mankessim, along with extensive studies for Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones in various regions including Afram Plains, Nsawam, and Builsa.
During the signing ceremony, Dr. Forson expressed gratitude to the AfDB for its ongoing partnership, stating, “On behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the citizens of Ghana, I extend my thanks to the Bank for its unwavering support.” He praised Fasika for her effective leadership, noting that under her guidance, Ghana has achieved substantial financial and technical collaboration with the AfDB.
Dr. Forson also expressed hope that the feasibility studies will be completed promptly, with construction anticipated to begin by the third quarter of the year. In her comments, Fasika acknowledged the robust cooperation between the AfDB and the Ghanaian government, emphasizing their joint efforts in realizing these crucial projects. “Together, we have given it our best shot,” she affirmed while reiterating the AfDB’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s developmental goals.
