President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Ghana’s road infrastructure, announcing that government has committed more than GH¢40 billion to the flagship Big Push Programme to rehabilitate and construct roads across the country.
Speaking during an inspection of the Asikuma–Anyirawase Road Project in the Volta Region as part of his two day Resetting Ghana tour, President Mahama said the unprecedented investment reflects government’s determination to improve connectivity, stimulate economic growth and enhance the quality of life for Ghanaians.
“Government and taxpayers are committing substantial resources to these projects because we recognise the importance of good roads in transforming the economy and improving the lives of our people,” the President said.
He disclosed that government allocated more than GH¢13 billion to the Big Push Programme last year and increased the allocation to GH¢30.8 billion this year, bringing the total investment to over GH¢40 billion.
According to the President, construction is currently underway on approximately 2,500 kilometres of roads nationwide, with many of the projects involving major highways linking regional capitals and key economic centres that had deteriorated over the years.
President Mahama explained that beyond rehabilitating existing roads, government is upgrading them to higher engineering standards by increasingly adopting asphaltic concrete instead of conventional bitumen surfacing on major trunk roads to improve durability and extend their lifespan.
“This programme gives us the opportunity not only to rehabilitate these roads but also to upgrade them to higher standards. We are moving towards asphaltic concrete because it provides better durability and will ensure these roads serve the country for much longer,” he stated.
The President expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, noting that several contractors are ahead of schedule despite the official completion deadline of December 2027.
“Looking at the current pace of work, it is possible that many of these roads will be completed much earlier than expected. Motorists will soon enjoy smoother, safer and more comfortable journeys across the country,” he said.
He noted that the projects would significantly improve travel between Accra and Ho, giving the Volta Regional capital a first-class road connection with other parts of Ghana and facilitating the movement of people, goods and services.
President Mahama also highlighted government’s ongoing work on the Eastern Corridor Road, explaining that the corridor will connect Hohoe through Asikuma, Juapong and Atimpoku before linking to Accra, while extending through the Oti Region to northern Ghana.
According to him, the corridor will unlock new opportunities for trade, transportation and economic development by improving access between southern and northern Ghana.
The President stressed that improved road infrastructure is fundamental to national development, noting that efficient transport systems reduce the cost of doing business, improve market access and support industrialisation and agriculture.
Beyond infrastructure, he said the Big Push Programme is already generating significant employment opportunities across the country.
“As we move around the country and inspect these projects, we are seeing many young people gaining employment. It is estimated that the current projects under the programme have created about 300,000 direct and indirect jobs,” President Mahama disclosed.
He explained that while direct jobs include engineers, contractors and construction workers, indirect employment has benefited food vendors, quarry operators, fuel suppliers, cement distributors, iron rod suppliers and numerous other businesses supporting the projects.
Describing the initiative as a catalyst for broad-based economic growth, the President said the benefits of infrastructure investment extend well beyond the construction sites into surrounding communities and local economies.
President Mahama assured traditional leaders and communities whose roads have not yet been included that the programme is being implemented in phases, with priority currently given to major trunk roads that connect different parts of the country.
“If your road has not yet been captured, it does not mean it will not be addressed. The Big Push is a five-year programme, and we are only in the second year. We still have the third, fourth and fifth years, during which government will continue expanding the projects,” he assured.
He reiterated that road infrastructure remains one of government’s highest priorities because it provides the foundation for industrial growth, commercial expansion, agricultural development and national transformation.
“If we want Ghana to develop, we must make it easier for people, passengers and goods to move efficiently across the length and breadth of the country. A strong road network provides the foundation upon which we can build industries, expand commerce, support agriculture and drive national development,” President Mahama concluded.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
