Big Push agenda will be sustained - President Mahama assures
President John Dramani Mahama has urged members of the public whose roads were not captured in this year’s Big Push programme not be worried since the initiative would continue next year.
He said government was committed to its promise to bridge the country’s critical infrastructure deficit to stimulate long-term growth.
He said as a show of commitment, this year alone, road contracts worth GH¢5 billion were signedto fix deplorable and critical roads under the agenda.
President John Dramani Mahama gave the assurance last Sunday, when he cut the sod for two major road projects in the Bono and Ahafo regions.
He reflected that during the 2024 campaign, amidst boasts of the construction of over 10,000 kilometres of road by the previous government, chiefs and community leaders consistently complained about the deplorable state of their roads.
He stated that this direct experience informed his commitment to the "Big Push" project to construct roads that supported development and boosted economic activities.
Already, groundbreaking ceremonies have been held for the reconstruction of the 117-kilometre stretch from Atimpoku in the Eastern Region to the Volta Region towns of Asikuma through Anyrawasi, Ho and Denu to Aflao.
Also, similar ceremonies have been held for the reconstruction of the Wenchi-Sawla-Wa highway and the Dawhenya Afienya Dodowa road project.
To show commitment to the Big Push agenda, President Mahama at the ceremony in Sunyani, announced that he had directed the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to release GH¢1 billion before Christmas to settle debts owed to contractors since 2017.
“I have directed the Finance Minister, Dr Ato Forson, to release GH¢1 billion to settle debts owed to contractors since 2017 before Christmas. All the contractors will be paid,” he said, and advised families of relevant deceased contractors to follow up to receive the money.
Roads
The sod-cutting ceremony in Sunyani marked the commencement of two key projects, namely the rehabilitation of the Sunyani-Atronie and Sunyani-Atronie Junction-Acherensua roads, and the construction of the Sunyani Outer Ring Road.
President Mahama cutting the sod for the commencement of the 400-kilometre projects
Key among the roads are the 90-kilometre Wenchi-Nsawkaw-Debibi-Sampa stretch, the 50-kilometre Wenchi-Sawla stretch, and the 32.6-kilometre Techiman-Nkosia-Wenchi stretch.
Others are the 48-kilometre Sunyani-Atronie-Acherensua road, the 80-kilometre Jinijini-Sampa road, the 19-kilometre Bediako Junction-Sefwi-Adabokro stretch, the 39-kilometre Tapa-Goaso road, and the 34-kilometre Sunyani Outer Ring Road project.
Infrastructure deficit
He said statistics from the World Bank suggested that the country had an infrastructure deficit of $1.5 billion annually.
President Mahama said his administration consequently rolled out the Big Push programme to invest $1.5 billion in infrastructure every year to bridge the infrastructure gap.
He said roads played a crucial role in the development of a country, explaining that when a country had good roads and railways, it facilitated smooth movement, which helped to improve economic activities.
President Mahama expressed the government’s commitment to continue all inherited projects.
Accountability
The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, who graced the events, called on the President to fulfil all his campaign promises.
He specifically urged the President to honour his commitment to sign the Anti-LGBTQ Bill when it was eventually presented to him by Parliament.
The Dormaahene also addressed the controversy surrounding the National Cathedral expenditure, demanding a re-evaluation of the project and prosecutions where necessary.
"As for that hole created, we don't understand because we voted for you to fight corruption," he stated.
Furthermore, the Dormaahene directly advised the contractors on the projects to use quality materials to ensure the roads were well-constructed and durable.
Quality assurance
In response, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, gave an assurance that the contractors would deliver the projects within the two-year timeframe.
The minister acknowledged the initial concerns about the level of equipment on the Outer Ring Road site and promised a major mobilisation to the site after Christmas.
He also confirmed the President's directive to immediately commence work on other requested roads in the area.
Mr Agbodza emphasised the government's unprecedented investment in roads and issued a stern warning to the contractors, Messrs Alexiboam and Kofi Job Co. Ltd, stating that the government would not accept substandard work.
"We cannot allow ourselves to spend this money on roads that fail in six months.
It will not happen under your watch," the minister said, reiterating the President's directive that the calibre of contractors and materials must match the financial investment.
The projects are expected to significantly improve travel time and comfort, ease the movement of goods, and stimulate economic growth in the beneficiary regions.
