President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the government’s flagship “Big Push” Road Infrastructure Project, pledging an unprecedented investment to modernise and expand key highways and township roads across the Volta Region within 24 months.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, described the initiative as “the largest single intervention in Ghana’s road sector in our history,” noting that no previous administration has committed such extensive resources at one time.
The project will see the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and dualisation of more than 30 critical roads, including the Atimpoku–Asikuma–Anyirawasi–Ho–Denu–Aflao Highway and key township road networks.
In total, over 100 kilometres of roads will be rehabilitated and upgraded.
The scope of works includes widening of existing carriageways and shoulders, strengthening of pavement structures, replacement of weak culverts and construction of new drainage systems, upgrading to asphaltic concrete surfaces and installation of modern road safety features.
All contractors will operate under a 24-hour work schedule in line with the government’s 24-hour economy policy.
President John Dramani Mahama underscored the need for strict standards and greater transparency in the execution of government infrastructure projects.
He stressed that all contractors engaged on public works must provide fit-for-purpose insurance policies to guarantee the quality of their work. Such insurance, he explained, will allow the government to demand repairs or compensation if projects are found to be substandard.
The President also called for full disclosure of beneficial ownership by all companies undertaking government contracts. According to him, making this information public is essential for holding firms accountable and ensuring that only credible entities benefit from state projects.
He urged contractors to contribute to national capacity building by recruiting and mentoring young graduates in civil engineering, quantity surveying, and construction management. He noted that this initiative will not only strengthen the local skill base but also create employment opportunities for Ghana’s youth, helping to sustain the country’s long-term development goals.
“The Ghanaian contractor is as good as any in the world.”
The entire project is fully funded by the Government of Ghana, with Messrs First Sky Ltd leading construction on the Atimpoku–Aflao stretch alongside eight Ghanaian partner firms.
The President assured communities that financing has been secured and contractors will be paid promptly to prevent delays.
By: Daniel Orlando/newsalertgh.com
