President John Dramani Mahama has launched the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme, cutting the sod in Afienya to mark the beginning of work on the Dawhenya–Ayikuma–Dodowa and Tema–Aflao roads. The initiative, a major campaign promise, aims to close Ghana’s annual infrastructure gap of $1.5 billion, particularly in the road sector.
“This sod-cutting is the first, but we are going to cut sod in five different areas to mark the start of the whole Big Push programme,” President Mahama said. He explained that the programme would touch all 16 regions, with every region benefiting from its share. The President assured communities that his pledge to upgrade the Dawhenya–Ayikuma–Dodowa road was being fulfilled, saying, “During the campaign, I promised that if there was one road I would start with, it would be this one. Today is promise delivered.”
President Mahama disclosed that GH¢13.9 billion had already been allocated to the Big Push, with an additional GH¢30 billion to be provided in 2026 to cover health, education, agriculture, agribusiness, and sports. He also announced interventions for constituencies with poor roads, stating that 166 constituencies would receive 10 kilometers of roads and drains per year for four years.
The President emphasized that the Big Push would not be compromised by awarding contracts to inexperienced or small-scale operators, saying, “This is not for wheelbarrow contractors.” He expressed confidence in the capacity of local contractors engaged under the programme, insisting that quality would not be compromised.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
