President John Dramani Mahama has described the Big Push programme as the most ambitious road infrastructure drive in Ghana’s history, saying the initiative is central to his administration’s strategy for economic growth, job creation and national connectivity.
Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum under the theme “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector,” the President said the programme is already changing the country’s infrastructure outlook, with more than 2,000 kilometres of roads under simultaneous construction.
“This is the biggest investment in the road sector in the history of Ghana,” he said, adding that the programme is designed not only to improve transport links but also to stimulate wider economic activity.
Construction to drive growth across sectors
President Mahama said the government is using the construction sector as a deliberate economic stimulus tool, particularly at a time when public investment can help unlock growth in multiple industries.
“When economies are sluggish, governments intentionally invest in construction because the construction sector stimulates the economy.” - President Mahama
According to him, the ripple effects of road construction extend well beyond the building sites.
He noted that cement manufacturers, steel suppliers, fuel distributors, equipment dealers, logistics operators and mechanics all stand to benefit from the scale of the programme.
He added that the Big Push is also creating demand for skilled and unskilled labour, helping to support incomes and strengthen local business activity.
A major highlight of the programme, the President said, is its role in employment generation, particularly for young professionals entering the labour market.
“I’ve been very pleased to see young engineers who have come out of our various institutions working as site engineers,” he said, noting with satisfaction that many of them are women.
Beyond engineers, he said artisans such as carpenters, masons, steel benders and informal traders are also benefiting from the infrastructure rollout, reinforcing the programme’s broad social and economic impact.
Financing and implementation
The Big Push programme, valued at US$10 billion or roughly GH¢120 billion, is being financed largely through domestic resources, including petroleum revenues and mineral royalties.
Government allocated GH¢13.9 billion to the programme in 2025 and increased that commitment to GH¢30 billion in the 2026 budget.
Mahama said projects have been broken into manageable sections, with a target completion period of 24 months.
A dedicated secretariat at the Presidency is overseeing implementation, while measures such as mobilisation support for contractors and faster payment timelines have been introduced to reduce delays.
The President said the programme’s long-term value lies in its ability to lower transport costs, improve trade corridors and support more balanced development across Ghana.
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