Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has strongly endorsed the upcoming Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in Kumasi, urging its swift implementation to alleviate congestion and boost the local economy.

During a courtesy call from the World Bank, the Ashanti Regional transport coordinating director, the KMA transport unit and other stakeholders, Otumfuo emphasized the need for the project to be locally managed, while the World Bank’s Vice President for West and Central Africa, Ousmane Diagana, pledged full support for the initiative.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II who welcomed the delegation to his palace, acknowledged the long-standing relationship between the Ashantis and the World Bank. He highlighted Kumasi’s vibrancy, its status as a commercial hub, and the urgent need for an efficient transportation system.

The Asantehene however expressed concern over the long planning period for the project, which has been on the drawing board since 2015. He said that the current situation of traffic in Kumasi, where vehicles, buses, and trotros are all competing for space, hinders the city’s economic development and productivity.

The Asantehene stressed the importance of the 28-kilometer route from Ejisu to Abuakwa, stating that a rapid transit system would significantly improve the movement of goods and people, making business in the area easier. He stated, “If we could have that rapid transport, and the movement of goods, passengers and all those things and the ease with which we can do business is something that we have to take a look at seriously.”

Otumfuo then called for the project’s operational center to be based in Kumasi, with the project coordinator residing locally. He said, "It shouldn't be running from Accra when we have the project in Kumasi. The project unit should be here and the project coordinator must also be resident here," so that local stakeholders and district assemblies could effectively coordinate with the project team.

He also pointed out that delays have prevented the region from reaping the economic and employment benefits that an efficient transit system could bring, suggesting that swift action is needed to see it to fruition as soon as possible.

Mr. Ousmane Diagana, Vice President of the World Bank for West and Central Africa, affirmed the bank’s commitment to the Kumasi Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (KUMAP), stating that the World Bank saw Kumasi as a major hub that will benefit immensely from a modern transportation system.

The Vice President echoed the need for efficiency and collaboration to ensure that the project will be beneficial.

Mr. Randy Wilson, the KMA Transport Director, provided details on the project’s scope and next steps. He highlighted the completed feasibility studies of the areas that the project will begin from, specifically stating it will begin in the Kejetia (CBD area) to the Ejisu and the Abuakwa stretches.

He also reiterated that all the various stakeholders are working together to finalize project designs and secure approvals so that the project will start very fast.