GHANA could soon secure approval for additional financing for the Volivo Bridge Project, as the Japan International Cooperation Agency considers a new loan facility to support its implementation.
If approved, the funding is expected to pave the way for construction work on the long-awaited project to commence by the end of 2026.
Speaking in an exclusive interview last Thursday on projects being supported by Japan in Ghana, Japan’s Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Hiroshi Yoshimoto, said the project would bring relief to the people when completed.
Mr Yoshimoto noted that Japan was currently not providing new loans for projects due to concerns about unsustainable debt levels. However, the Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, has reiterated that Ghana has emerged from the 2022 economic crisis.
He stressed that public debt was now on a sustainable trajectory and that the country is on course to return to a moderate risk of debt distress, a development that has strengthened investor confidence.
The Volivo Bridge is a proposed 540-metre cable-stayed bridge spanning the Lower Volta River to connect Volivo in the Greater Accra Region and Dofor Adidome in the Volta Region.
As part of the Eastern Corridor road network, it is expected to enhance trade, improve connectivity and reduce travel time, with funding support from JICA.
The project forms part of President John Dramani Mahama’s “Big Push” infrastructure programme aimed at expanding the country’s road network.
Earlier in April, at the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, DC, Dr Forson told Japanese officials that Ghana was on the path to economic recovery — fulfilling the Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration’s commitment to good governance through fiscal discipline and prudence.
President Mahama has also commended the Government of Japan for its continuous support to Ghana since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1957, when Ghana attained independence.
The Government of Japan is undertaking numerous projects across sectors, including health, education, agriculture, science, technology and innovation.
Ghana and Japan continue to engage in constructive dialogue aimed at improving the lives of their citizens. Their relationship is built on trust, mutual respect and shared prosperity.
Japan remains one of Ghana’s key strategic partners in Asia and is recognised for promoting peace, respect for international law, human rights and democracy.
On the Volivo Bridge project, Mr Yoshimoto said JICA was encouraged by Ghana’s economic recovery and was confident of mobilising additional funding to support construction. He expressed optimism that the contractor would be ready to move to site before the end of the year.
He also provided an update on the Kumasi Inner Ring Road, noting that the procurement process is ongoing, with the project expected to commence once tender procedures are completed.
The Volivo Bridge, a flagship component of President Mahama’s “Big Push” agenda, is expected to become Ghana’s tallest bridge. The 540-metre cable-stayed structure will span the Volta Lake and significantly enhance connectivity along the Eastern Corridor, facilitating trade between the northern and southern parts of the country.
BY MALIK SULLEMANA
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