President John Dramani Mahama has mandated that road engineers and contractors achieve the highest quality standards on all government “Big Push” infrastructure projects before payment approvals. This directive links payments directly to verified quality and completion milestones for every project. The policy aims to guarantee value for money from public funds and enhance the durability of Ghana’s road network.
This decision stems from a need to prevent newly constructed roads from deteriorating quickly. Poor compaction during construction often leads to road failures, especially after heavy rains. The President’s order seeks to improve road longevity, reduce travel costs, and enhance safety across the country. Improved road infrastructure is crucial for supporting trade and overall economic growth.
This initiative fits into Ghana’s broader strategy to improve public infrastructure and strengthen economic resilience. Ghana has consistently faced challenges with road quality, impacting transportation efficiency and development. Similar efforts have been made in the past to ensure accountability and proper use of GHS 4.2 billion allocated for infrastructure. The 'Big Push' programme is a flagship government initiative designed to accelerate national development through strategic investments.
President Mahama underlined the importance of this new policy during an inspection of the Kafodzidzi–Abransa road in the Komenda‑Edina‑Eguafo‑Abrem Municipality. He stated, “We will not accept substandard work.” He reminded contractors and supervising engineers to strictly follow design specifications and international construction standards. He stressed that every pesewa of public funds must deliver durable roads for future generations.
The directive means contractors must demonstrate rigorous quality control throughout their projects. This includes thorough testing to ensure proper compaction, a common issue leading to early road deterioration. The government has assured contractors that funds for approved 'Big Push' projects are available and will be processed promptly once work is certified. This encourages contractors to accelerate work while maintaining high standards.
The 5.49‑kilometre Kafodzidzi–Abransa road, for example, links the Cape Coast-Takoradi highway, crucial for local communities. This project was awarded in December 2025 to M/S Ashcal Investment Limited for GHS 54,961,893. By June 26, 2026, physical completion stood at 22.8 percent, with expenditures of GHS 8,326,352.65. This represents 16.83 percent financial progress, nearly six months into the 24‑month contract period.
Such road projects are vital for strengthening rural-urban connections and stimulating trade. They also improve access to essential services like healthcare and education for communities. Delays caused by recent rains have slowed progress on some 'Big Push' roads nationwide. However, the President expressed confidence that contractors will meet their schedules. This new directive will ensure that efficiency does not come at the expense of quality.
Moving forward, decision-makers will closely monitor the enforcement of these quality checks and their impact on road project timelines and budgets. The market will observe how this affects contractor performance and the overall quality of public infrastructure. This policy aims to foster greater accountability and deliver lasting value for Ghanaian taxpayers.