Ghana taps AfDB for $12.8 M to advance markets, agro-industrial zones

Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, signed a US$12.83 million grant agreement with the African Development Bank (AfDB) on Thursday to fund feasibility studies and design development for key projects under the government’s “Big Push” initiative.

The agreement, signed with AfDB’s outgoing Country Manager in Ghana, Eyerusalem Fasika, will support detailed planning for a proposed interchange at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra to ease traffic congestion.

It will also fund feasibility studies and full designs for the redevelopment of markets in Agbogbloshie, Techiman, Sekondi, and Mankessim, as well as Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones in the Afram Plains, Nsawam, and Builsa.

Speaking at the signing, Forson thanked the AfDB for its continued partnership and praised Fasika’s leadership.

“Ghana has secured significant financial resources and technical support from the AfDB through her stewardship,” he said, expressing optimism that construction could begin as early as the third quarter of 2026.

Fasika highlighted the strong cooperation between the AfDB and Ghana, saying, “Together, we have given it our best shot,” and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s development agenda.

The Big Push programme is part of the government’s broader effort to improve infrastructure, promote industrialisation, and create jobs across the country.