By Yussif Ibrahim Kumasi, July 17, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans for the construction of a major road infrastructure project in the Ashanti Region aimed at improving transportation within the Greater Kumasi area. The initiative, dubbed the “Greater Kumasi By-Pass,” is a key component of the government’s Big Push Initiative. The by-pass is designed to divert heavy-duty trucks traveling to Burkina Faso and Mali away from the congested Kumasi city center. Instead, these vehicles will be rerouted through Ejisu to connect to the Mampong and Techiman roads. “Under the Big Push, we are going to commence the construction of what we call the Greater Kumasi By-Pass,” President Mahama announced at a durbar of chiefs and people of Ashanti as part of his thank-you tour in Kumasi. The President stated that, “the first quadrant of this by-pass will pass through Ejisu and link the Mampong and Techiman roads. This means all articulated trucks heading to Burkina Faso and Mali will no longer drive through Kumasi. They will turn right at Ejisu and appear on the Techiman road.” He said the project, upon completion, would significantly decongest the city, promote safer travel, and help restore Kumasi’s urban integrity. In addition to the by-pass, the President reaffirmed his commitment to completing ongoing and long-abandoned infrastructure projects in the region. These include Phase Two of the Kejetia-Central Market Redevelopment Project and the Krofrom Market, which has remained unfinished for 17 years. He expressed confidence that completing these markets and others would ease congestion, improve trading spaces, and restore dignity to thousands of traders. President Mahama also highlighted the expansion of the runway at the Agyemang Prempeh International Airport as a top priority, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to inclusive and equitable development. He assured the people of the Ashanti Region that they would continue to receive their fair share of national development under his leadership. Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Christian Akorlie