11/05/2026
SUAME INTERCHANGE CONSTRUCTION
The Price of Progress in Kumasi's Transport Lifeline
A City at a Standstill: How Road Work is Crippling Kumasi's Busiest Junction
The Suame Interchange, once the heartbeat of Kumasi's transportation system, has transformed into a congestion nightmare. What should be a simple 15-minute commute from Suame to Kejetia now stretches into four to five grueling hours. The ongoing road construction, while necessary for the city's future, has exposed the fragility of Kumasi's transport infrastructure and left residents and commuters grappling with unprecedented challenges.
# # The Chaos on the Ground
The impact is undeniable and deeply felt across the city. Getting a car or trotro has become an exercise in patience and persistence. Traffic congestion has spread like wildfire—not just on the main Suame Interchange, but cascading through alternative routes and even the city's subway systems, which are now equally overwhelmed.
Commuters share stories of desperation and frustration. One man reported having to walk from Bremang to Suame—a journey that should take minutes by vehicle but now consumes hours on foot. A nursing mother recounted her ordeal, forced to walk from Maakro to Suame for her post-labour medical appointments, a situation that underscores just how dire circumstances have become for vulnerable populations.
What adds salt to the wound is that some drivers are exploiting the situation, charging exorbitant fares and cashing out on commuters' desperation. The already painful experience of the construction has become compounded by opportunistic pricing that makes an already difficult situation even more frustrating.
# # Why Suame Interchange Matters
Understanding the severity of this disruption requires appreciating the strategic importance of Suame Interchange to Kumasi and Ghana as a whole. This is not merely a local junction—it is the backbone of the city's transport network.
The interchange serves as the critical link connecting four major commercial and residential hubs: Kroforom, Tafo, Kejetia (Adum), and Bantama. But its significance extends far beyond these neighborhoods. Suame Interchange functions as the primary gateway to the North Sector of Ghana, making it an essential artery for national commerce and movement.
For those traveling to or from Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and other northern countries, this interchange is the first major checkpoint. The thousands of traders, transporters, and travelers who pass through daily depend on its efficiency. Additionally, the vibrant Suame Magazine—a sprawling industrial and commercial hub—relies heavily on this junction for economic activity. The numerous banks scattered along its stretches, coupled with other significant economic structures in the area, further underscore its critical role in Kumasi's economy.
# # The Alternative Routes: A Poor Substitute
With the main interchange under construction, commuters have been forced to find workarounds, but none are adequate.
One alternative route requires travelers to take the Suame-Kotoko road and join the Bohyen-Kejetia stretch. Another option involves walking through Suame Market and joining the Asanteman SHS stretch, a pedestrian journey of approximately thirty minutes to reach Kejetia. These alternatives, though viable for those on foot, offer little relief for commercial drivers and those transporting goods.
For residents in areas like Kronom or Afrancho, the situation is even more dire—what should be a straightforward commute can now consume half a day or more.
# # The Necessary Sacrifice
Yet amidst the pain and frustration, there is a glimmer of understanding. The construction, though disruptive, is essential. Kumasi needs a properly functioning, well-constructed Suame Interchange to manage current traffic demands and accommodate future growth. The road infrastructure must be upgraded to provide residents with a commutable road system that curbs the incessant traffic plaguing the city.
This is not merely cosmetic improvement—it is a critical investment in Kumasi's future. A properly constructed interchange will ease congestion, reduce travel times, improve safety, and enhance economic activity. The sacrifice, though real and painful, is worth it.
# # The Call for Urgency
The government must recognize the urgency of accelerating construction timelines. Other parts of Ghana have successfully completed similar projects with improved efficiency and speed. Kumasi's residents deserve no less. The construction must be expedited, not to rush poor quality work, but to minimize the period of disruption that is causing such widespread hardship.
# # Conclusion
The Suame Interchange construction represents a pivotal moment for Kumasi. Yes, commuters are suffering. Yes, the situation is dire. Yes, drivers are exploiting the chaos. But this temporary pain is an investment in a more efficient, functional city.
As nursing mothers walk to medical appointments and workers trek from distant neighborhoods, they walk toward a future where such ordeals become unnecessary. The key now is ensuring that the government prioritizes this project with the urgency it deserves, completing construction swiftly so that Kumasi can reclaim its role as a seamlessly connected, efficiently functioning city.
The road to progress is paved with temporary inconvenience. Let us hope it is a short journey.
