Unveils $10 Billion “Big Push” Agenda to Revive Development, Stabilize Economy
President John Dramani Mahama has pledged a sweeping transformation of the Ashanti Region’s infrastructure as part of his government’s $10 billion “Big Push” agenda, aimed at accelerating stalled development and revitalizing local economies.
Speaking during his “Thank You Tour” in Kumasi, President Mahama outlined a bold infrastructure agenda targeting key sectors including health, transportation, education, and market redevelopment.
“The people of Ashanti Region deserve better,” President Mahama declared. “This region has immense economic potential that has been overlooked for far too long.”
Among the high-priority projects he committed to completing are the Afari Military Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Kejetia Market Phase Two, and the Krofrom Market.
Greater Kumasi Bypass and National Connectivity
A flagship component of the initiative is the Greater Kumasi Bypass, which will divert heavy truck traffic to ease congestion in the city. Additionally, the Accra–Kumasi Expressway is set to begin construction early next year, reducing travel distance by 50 kilometers and improving national connectivity.
The plan also includes road reconstruction in Tepa, Manso, and the Adansi areas, as well as the extension of the Kumasi International Airport runway to enhance regional air travel and cargo movement.
Economic Stability and Youth Empowerment
President Mahama tied the infrastructure plan to ongoing fiscal reforms that he said are already bearing fruit.
“The economy has responded well and significantly, with a rapid reduction in inflation and a steep appreciation in our local currency, the cedi, against major international currencies,” he said. “This has increased business confidence, made the business environment more predictable, and reduced port charges and levies for our businesses.”
He emphasized that these economic improvements will create more job opportunities for the youth and relieve the financial burden on ordinary Ghanaians, particularly entrepreneurs in the Ashanti Region.
Social Relief and Environmental Protection
As part of the broader agenda, President Mahama announced social relief policies, including absorbing academic fees for first-year tertiary students and strengthening environmental protection through stricter mining regulations.
Recognition of Political Support
President Mahama also acknowledged the Ashanti Region’s growing political support, citing the election of seven parliamentary representatives and securing over 33% of the presidential votes as signs of national unity and renewed trust in his leadership.
“This is more than a promise. It’s a new era of inclusive development,” he concluded.
The comprehensive infrastructure and economic agenda is poised to reposition the Ashanti Region as a central hub of Ghana’s growth, delivering long-awaited progress and prosperity to its people.
