Ghana begins 2,000km road rehabilitation under “Big Push” infrastructure programme — Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has announced the commencement of major nationwide road rehabilitation works covering about 2,000 kilometres under the government’s flagship “Big Push” infrastructure programme aimed at improving transportation networks and boosting economic activity.
Delivering the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament, President Mahama said the initiative forms part of efforts to reduce infrastructure deficits, open economic corridors, and create jobs across the country.
“The whole of Ghana is going to become a construction site,” President Mahama declared. “We are determined to restore critical infrastructure, improve mobility, and reduce the cost of doing business for Ghanaians.”
According to the President, government has already started 50 major road projects spanning approximately 1,144 kilometres with an estimated cost of GH¢50 billion.
He added that government is also completing 23 road projects previously awarded but left unpaid by the previous administration. These projects cover an additional 573 kilometres and are estimated to cost GH¢15 billion.
“We inherited significant financial obligations and structural pressures in the road sector,” the President said. “By the end of 2025, we had cleared nearly GH¢10 billion owed to road contractors, and we will continue reducing the debt burden while delivering new infrastructure.”
President Mahama explained that the Big Push programme is designed to stimulate economic growth, support trade, and improve connectivity between regions and communities.
The programme includes major road projects across all 16 regions, including works on the Kumasi bypass, Sunyani outer ring road, Tepa-Mabangoso road, Techiman-Unchi road, dualisation of key highways, and rehabilitation of several feeder roads.
“These investments will open economic corridors, create jobs for our young people, and improve access to markets and essential services,” he said.
A key highlight of the infrastructure vision is the proposed Accra–Kumasi Expressway, a 198.7-kilometre six-lane high-speed motorway expected to reduce travel time between Ghana’s two largest cities to about two and a half hours.
“This will be Ghana’s first purpose-built expressway with limited access points,” President Mahama noted. “It will improve road safety, support higher speed travel, and strengthen national commerce.”
The President also revealed that preparatory works, including feasibility studies, detailed designs, and cost assessments, are currently underway for the expressway project, which will be implemented through a 50-year concession arrangement with private sector partners.
In addition to major highways, government is also investing in urban and rural roads to improve local mobility and economic opportunities for communities.
The President said the road infrastructure programme is part of a broader national development strategy that includes transport modernization, railway expansion, aviation upgrades, and digital connectivity.
Government officials say progress reports on ongoing road projects will be regularly published to ensure transparency and accountability.
Analysts have described the Big Push infrastructure agenda as one of the most ambitious road development programmes in Ghana’s recent history, although they say successful implementation will depend on sustained financing and effective project management.
