President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government has committed over GHS 40 billion to the Big Push road infrastructure programme. This substantial investment aims to transform Ghana's economy and improve the lives of its citizens through enhanced connectivity.
The President made this disclosure during an inspection tour of the ongoing Asikuma–Anyirawase Road project in the Volta Region. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, commending the contractor for their performance. The initiative is designed to upgrade and rehabilitate approximately 2,500 kilometres of roads nationwide.
This significant expenditure underscores the government's focus on infrastructure development as a key driver for economic growth. Ghana has historically faced challenges with road networks, impacting trade and regional integration. The Big Push programme seeks to address these long-standing issues, aligning with broader national development goals.
President Mahama explained that the government allocated more than GHS 13 billion to the Big Push programme last year. This year, the allocation increased to GHS 30.8 billion, bringing the total investment to over GHS 40 billion. He emphasized that this reflects the government's recognition of quality road infrastructure's critical role in promoting economic growth and facilitating trade.
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwame Governs Agbodza, accompanied the President during the inspection. He briefed President Mahama on the project's status, confirming that construction works are progressing steadily and according to schedule. The Minister praised the commitment of contractors and supervising consultants.
This extensive road programme is expected to have far-reaching economic implications. Improved roads will reduce travel times, lower transportation costs, and enhance the movement of goods and services. This will directly benefit various sectors, including agriculture, commerce, and industry, by making markets more accessible.
The President noted that construction work is currently underway on approximately 2,500 kilometres of roads. These include major highways linking regional capitals and key economic centres. The programme focuses on rehabilitating and upgrading these roads to higher engineering standards, ensuring greater durability and a longer lifespan.
The government is replacing conventional bitumen surfacing with asphaltic concrete on many major highways and trunk roads. This upgrade aims to improve their strength and longevity. President Mahama expressed satisfaction with the progress, indicating that several contractors are ahead of schedule.
Although the completion deadline for the current phase is December 2027, many projects could finish earlier if the current pace is maintained. The completed roads will provide motorists with safer, smoother, and more comfortable journeys. This will significantly reduce travel time between major towns and cities.
President Mahama cited the road network linking Accra to Ho as an example. He stated that the completion of ongoing projects would provide the Volta Regional capital with a first-class road connection. This will improve the movement of people, goods, and services across the country.
Work is also progressing on the Eastern Corridor Road, passing through Hohoe, Asikuma, Juapong, and Atimpoku before connecting to Accra. The completed corridor will strengthen transportation links between the Volta, Oti, and Northern regions. This will create new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic development.
Investments in road infrastructure extend beyond improving transportation. They create a foundation for industrial growth, agricultural expansion, and increased commercial activities. The programme has also created an estimated 300,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Direct jobs are on construction sites, while thousands of others benefit indirectly. These include food vendors, quarry operators, fuel suppliers, cement distributors, and iron rod dealers. The Big Push initiative acts as a catalyst for broad-based economic growth, benefiting surrounding communities and local businesses.
The government remains committed to expanding the initiative over its five-year implementation period. This assurance was given to traditional leaders and communities whose roads are not yet included in the programme. The Asikuma–Anyirawase Road is being constructed by First Sky Construction Company Limited.