Mahama pledges to fix roads with GHS 14 billion ‘big push’

By Racheal Asamoah

President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling Ghana’s infrastructure challenges through his GHS 14 billion ‘Big Push’ initiative with a substantial focus on road improvement projects, including the often-neglected Upper West Region.

Addressing a ‘thank you’ durbar of chiefs and citizens at the Wa Jubilee Park in Wa, President Mahama stated that funding for numerous critical road projects had been secured in the 2025 national budget and that work would commence soon.

The tour follows the NDC’s victory in the 2024 election and aims to assure Ghanaians that the party’s manifesto promises are on track to be fulfilled.

“In a few months, you’ll see contractors on all these roads because the money has been provided in the budget,” President Mahama said. “This year, we set aside 14 billion Ghana cedis for the Big Push, and the Finance Minister has assured me that all contractors will get 15% mobilisation to enable them to move to the sites.”

To prevent delays that have plagued previous infrastructure projects, the President promised timely payments. “Any contractor on the Big Push projects who presents his certificate for payment will be paid within two weeks of presentation. So, no contractor will have the excuse that he has not been paid,” he emphasised.

The plan includes the dualization of major highway corridors such as Accra-Kumasi, Accra-Takoradi, and Accra-Aflao, as well as the construction or rehabilitation of bridges in Dambai, Buipe, and Yapei.

For the Upper West Region, President Mahama emphasised the prioritisation of the Wa-Tumu-Bolgatanga trunk road and the Techiman-Wenchi-Bole-Wa-Hamile corridor.

“These roads will not only enhance trade and transport but also stimulate cross-border business and revive economic activity,” President Mahama asserted.

The President’s announcement was met with enthusiasm and applause from the chiefs, religious leaders, and residents, many of whom have expressed long-standing concerns about the poor condition of the region’s roads.

The ‘Big Push’ initiative comes at a time when Ghana is grappling with a huge infrastructure gap.