Big Push project takes off – President Mahama cuts sod for 3 major roads

President John Dramani Mahama, who birthed the ambitious initiative to boldly deliver infrastructure to incrementally seal the yawning deficit, launched the initiative yesterday at Titrinu, near the Volta Regional capital, Ho.

In the company of ministers of state, regional security service, public and civil servants, chiefs and elders of the region, as well as a section of residents, the President cut the sod for the redevelopment works on the first set of roads under the initiative, the 117-kilometre stretch from Atimpoku in the Eastern Region to the Volta Region towns of Asikuma through Anyrawasi, Ho and Denu to Aflao.

President Mahama said the project would serve as a model for other road projects under the initiative.

Before a joyous crowd, the President symbolically operated an excavator to mark the beginning of the nationwide road construction and rehabilitation drive, which is expected to expend at least GH¢13.8 billion this year and GH¢30 billion next year until the $10 billion has been expended.

“Today, we are delivering that bouncing baby, Big Push,” President Mahama said at the national launch event characterised by a festive atmosphere, adding that, “the Volta Region has had some of the most neglected, abandoned roads in the country, and year in, year out, the chiefs have cried for repair and maintenance.”

The ceremony at Titrinu was attended by government officials, members of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, including its President, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV; the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, and a large number of enthusiastic citizens who cheered the President’s announcement.

Addressing the gathering, President Mahama outlined the transformative potential of the ‘Big Push’, a massive financial injection designed to fast-track infrastructure development across all sectors, with roads being a primary focus.

“The ‘Big Push’ is a concerted effort to bridge our infrastructure gap and propel Ghana towards sustainable development.

This is not just about asphalt and concrete; it is about building the foundations for a stronger economy, improved connectivity, and a better quality of life for all Ghanaians,” the President said.

He added that consideration had been made to involve more Ghanaian contractors in executing the initiative to ensure that the programme provided jobs and wealth to Ghanaians.

“We have given priority to Ghanaian contracting companies because we believe that Ghanaian companies can do as well as foreign companies,” he said.

For instance, he mentioned Messrs First Sky Limited as a reputable construction firm which had built an unmatched record of excellence for itself over the years.

“Once you have First Sky on the road, you can rest assured they will do a good job,” the President added.

The Big Push project also includes the 49km Ho-UHAS Bypass to Titrinu road and the 7.7km Ho Guinness Depot to Ho Airport road.

Funding

Emphasising the government’s commitment to funding the ambitious initiative, President Mahama revealed that GH¢30 billion had been allocated in next year’s budget to support the ‘Big Push’ infrastructure project.

“The whole of Ghana is going to become a construction site,” he said.

He said the substantial sum was in addition to the GH¢14 billion already set aside in this year’s budget for the planned projects, underscoring the programme’s priority status.

The ‘Big Push’ initiative, with its proposed $10 billion budget, represents one of the most comprehensive infrastructure investment plans in recent history, targeting the construction and rehabilitation of roads and other critical infrastructure across the country.

The Dodowa–Afienya–Dawhenya corridor

Earlier in the day, the President cut the sod for another set of work in the Greater Accra Region under the ‘Big Push’ initiative, entailing the reconstruction of a critical 24.8-kilometre Dodowa–Afienya–Dawhenya road.

The project involves the reconstruction of the 24.8-kilometre main corridor, along with three kilometres of selected town roads along the route.

Upon completion, the project is expected to significantly improve traffic flow, ease the burden on commuters and motorists, and drastically reduce travel time in the area, thereby boosting economic activity.

President Mahama tasked the contractors working on the project to complete it within 24 months, expressing his government’s optimism in meeting the timeframe.

He stated that the contractors had assured him of their commitment to the project’s timely execution.

Local content

The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, expressed optimism that local contractors were capable of executing all the works under the Big Push initiative.

He pointed out that First Sky Group, contractors presently working on the 117.4 kilometres road from Atimpoku-Asikuma-Anyrawasi-Ho-Denu-Aflao project, was competent and results-oriented.

Mr Agbodza expressed profound gratitude to the President for his leadership in championing the pivotal ‘Big Push’ initiative.

“We at the Ministry have been guided to always prioritise the dignity and well-being of Ghanaians.

This road, and the entire ‘Big Push’ programme, is a testament to that very principle. We are optimistic that this project will be completed within the 24-month timeframe,” he said.

Agbogbomefia

Togbe Afede XIV, in a welcome address, paid glowing tribute to President Mahama for keeping his words with the people, saying the Big Push was a renewal of hope among Ghanaians.