Aspiring National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Edem Segbefia, has praised the road sector reforms undertaken by the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, describing them as a remarkable turnaround that has transformed Ghana’s infrastructure landscape and improved the lives of ordinary citizens.
Addressing party grassroots members during an interactive visit to the Bono East Region, Dr. Segbefia said the Mahama administration inherited a road sector plagued by stalled projects, unpaid contractors, and deteriorating road networks but has since restored confidence and momentum through bold interventions.
“I bring you greetings and a message of hope from His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama’s work on our roads and highways.
Before the NDC took power, the road sector was on its knees. Contractors were unpaid, projects had stalled, and our farmers, traders, and drivers suffered daily on broken roads. Today, the narrative has changed,” he stated.
Big Push Transforming Road Infrastructure
Dr. Segbefia pointed to the government’s flagship “Big Push” Infrastructure Programme as evidence of the administration’s commitment to national development.
According to him, the programme has mobilized an unprecedented GH¢50 billion investment within 16 months, making it the largest road infrastructure investment in Ghana’s history.
“Today, nearly 2,000 kilometres of roads are under construction simultaneously across all 16 regions. All contractor arrears have been cleared, and as of April 2026, government does not owe any contractor working under the Big Push Programme a single cedi,” he noted.
He explained that the introduction of the “pay-as-you-work” policy has ensured steady project execution while restoring confidence among contractors.
Transparency and Accountability Restored
Dr. Segbefia further emphasized the administration’s commitment to transparency, revealing that over 90 percent of road contracts have been awarded through competitive tendering.
“About 90.28 percent of 1,441 road contracts were awarded through open and competitive processes.
Single sourcing was only used in urgent situations to prevent cost escalation and was found to be lawful.
This has restored credibility to the sector and strengthened confidence among contractors and development partners.”
Strategic Projects Driving Regional Development
Among the major projects highlighted was the 195-kilometre Wenchi-Bole-Sawla-Wa Road, which President Mahama recently launched under the Big Push Programme.
The project is expected to improve connectivity between the Bono, Savannah, and Upper West regions while significantly reducing travel times and transport costs.
“Once completed, travel time along the corridor will reduce from six hours to less than three hours. Vehicle operating costs will decline by about 30 percent, while road accidents are expected to reduce by 45 percent,” Dr. Segbefia said.
He added that town roads in Bamboi, Banda, Nkwanta, and Tinga are also being upgraded as part of the initiative.
The aspiring National Vice Chairman also cited progress on the Ofankor-Nsawam Dualization Project, a key corridor on the Accra-Kumasi highway, which he said is now approximately 75 percent complete.
Economic Benefits for Communities
Dr. Segbefia stressed that the government’s infrastructure strategy extends beyond road construction and is designed to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods.
He disclosed that the Wenchi-Bole-Wa Road project alone is expected to generate approximately 1,800 direct jobs and 4,500 indirect jobs during construction.
“Farmers will move their produce to markets faster and with less spoilage.
Traders will spend less time on the road. Workers will arrive at their jobs on time. Better roads mean lower transport costs, increased productivity, and more opportunities for our people.”
He noted that the government’s focus on economic corridors connecting farming communities to urban markets and neighbouring countries would enhance trade and strengthen regional economies.
Call for Grassroots Support
Dr. Segbefia urged NDC members at the grassroots level to actively communicate the government’s achievements and support efforts to sustain the party’s developmental agenda.
“When people see graders and asphalt in their communities, it is proof that the NDC delivers. These projects give our branch executives a strong story to tell and demonstrate that the party is fulfilling its promises.”
He added that improved road infrastructure would help reconnect previously isolated communities to district capitals and major commercial centres.
“The road sector was broken and idle in 2024. Today, it has become Ghana’s biggest construction site, funded largely through domestic resources, creating jobs and reducing costs for ordinary Ghanaians. For our grassroots members, this means money in people’s pockets, safer travel, and visible development.”
Concluding his address, Dr. Segbefia appealed for patience and continued support for the Mahama administration.
“Comrades, when roads work, the economy works and the masses benefit. We have high expectations, and rightly so, but with patience and unity, the government will ensure that everyone benefits from the power we worked hard to secure.
Let us continue supporting the government to deliver on its promises because that is the only way we can all smile together.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
