The poor state of  Ghana’s road networks and its dire impact on economic activities and the fatalities recorded over the years have called for swift measures, as the  Minister of Roads, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has announced that contractors will work around the clock to speed up the construction works under the BigPush Initiative.

He made this announcement during the sod-cutting ceremony in Afienya on September 16, stressing the urgency of the project. He directed, “Under the Big Push, all the projects are going to be done under a 24-hour economy. Day and night, they have to work,” he directed.

According to him, this forms part of government’s flagship policy, the 24-hour economy, earmarked as an economic game changer for economic growth and development.

He vowed that, unlike many past projects, this one will not be delayed or left unfinished citing the competence on the lead contractor in charge of the project to meet completion timelines.

“We shall implement Big Push, and the results will be there for everybody to see. When we say we can do this project within 24 months, we mean business. The contractor on this stretch, I believe, can do this project in less than 24 months,” he emphasised.

Eulogising the competence of Ghanaian engineers and contractors, he expressed confidence that, with the opportunities given to local contractors, he expects the highest standards of professionalism.

“Mr President, we are very convinced that the selection of contractors that will work on this road, from Atimpoku to Aflao, can work and complete the work within 24 months. This is about proving that Ghanaian expertise can stand tall. We are giving our contractors the platform, but we also expect the highest standards of professionalism.”

“Mr President, the section where we are doing the sod cutting belongs to a company called First Sky. Mr. President, I can tell you First Sky can do this work in less than 24 months”, he said.

He challenged the contractors to prove that Ghanaian construction firms are capable of delivering quality road projects and entreated them to apply for comprehensive insurance for the projects.

He stressed that the government and his Ministry would not countenance shoddy work, adding that “if you do a bad job, we shall ask the insurer to repair the road.”

Mr Agbodza also urged the contractors to employ extra hands to fast-track construction works and also create jobs for the youth and graduates in the construction field.

“There are a lot of young people who have graduated from universities with degrees in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, and Management. I want to encourage the contractors to take these graduates and mentor them to become contractors and engineers when you and I are not here”, he advised.

He further urged all contractors to secure insurance covers for their projects warning that, refusal to do so would be at their own peril.

“Every contractor engaged under the Big Push must secure insurance cover for their projects. If a contractor fails to meet standards or defects arise, the guarantees will be invoked to fund necessary repairs.”

The Roads Ministry in July announced stringent supervision and oversight measures that will be implemented to ensure quality roads are provided for citizens warning contractors against constructing sub standard road networks.

“We’ve instituted strict monitoring protocols. Every contractor must meet timelines, insure their work, and deliver to standard, or face penalties” highlighting that, the Big Push Agenda is not just a promise but a full scale national transformation; no region will be left behind, he stated.

“This is the largest single commitment to road infrastructure in our history. Every region, every constituency will feel it.”

On  his part, the government is not just building roads but building trust; he is bent on completing the projects, a reason why “...contractors must work day and night.”

Big Push In Volta Region

The road project under the Big Push Initiative in the Volta Region was divided into 9 lots stretching from Atimpoku through Asikuma, Ho, Kpetoe, Ave Afiadenyigba, Penyi to Aflao. There is a proposal for a bypass at Aflao, along the beach to the border, in the original design. The entire length measures 177 kilometres.

It is being undertaken by Messrs First Sky Limited and 8 other contractors.

Construction works would include widening of existing road width and shoulders, strengthening existing pavements, upgrading of road surfaces to asphaltic concrete surfacing, replacing weak and undersized culverts, and providing road safety measures.

The Big Push Agenda

The initiative aimed at improving road infrastructure across the country is estimated at GHC13.8 billion, and it is expected to be completed by 2028 with support from the country’s own financial resources. According to the 2025 budget, GH¢5.75 billion is owed by the Road Fund, with an allocation of GH¢2.81 billion programmed for road maintenance.

This represents a 155.5% increase from the 2024 allocation of GH¢1.1 billion, underscoring the government’s emphasis on sustaining Ghana’s road network. The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, on Wednesday, July 30, revealed that his ministry has undertaken studies and prepared comprehensive engineering interventions and cost estimates for road projects under the Big Push Programme.

The Ministry of Finance has since issued commitment authorizations for some twenty-nine (29) road infrastructure projects under the Big Push Programme which include: Upgrading of Akosombo-Gyakiti-Kudikope Road, Road Dualization of Winneba-Mankessim Road, Rehabilitation of Mankessim-Ajumako-Breman Asikuma-Agona Swedru, Construction of nchi-Elubo Road, and Rehabilitation of Atimpoku-Asikuma Junction Road.

The government has also selected a number of abandoned road projects, for which no dedicated funding was allocated by the previous administration.

They include rehabilitation and upgrading of Kasoa-Winneba Road, construction of Suame Interchange and Local Roads, reconstruction of Navrongo-Chuchuliga-Sandema Road, and upgrading of Tumu-Chuchuliga-Navrongo, including construction of a 36m span reinforced concrete bridge over the Kanyibie River and a 24m span reinforced concrete bridge over the Bechelihu river.

In March this year, Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways Alhassan Suhuyini acknowledged the significant financial burden facing the government to clear outstanding debts owed to contractors and suppliers. His remarks followed the presentation of the 2025 budget by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who disclosed that the government’s total commitments to contractors stand at a staggering GH¢67.5 billion.

He emphasized the importance of prioritizing road maintenance, a sector that has suffered due to poor upkeep. "The minister has stressed that a significant portion of these funds will be directed toward road maintenance. This is a smart move because our poor maintenance culture has resulted in roads deteriorating within 8 to 10 years instead of lasting longer," he explained.

Mr Suhuyini noted that, in addition to paying off some existing road maintenance debts, the government is looking at a broader infrastructure push. "With GH¢10 to GH¢13 billion allocated under the ‘Big Push’ initiative, several new road projects will commence, while some outstanding debts will also be retired," he added.