President John Dramani Mahama has broken ground at Afienya in the Greater Accra Region to mark the official start of his government’s $10 billion Big Push Infrastructure Agenda, a flagship programme aimed at transforming Ghana’s infrastructure base and driving inclusive national development.

The sod-cutting ceremony, witnessed by chiefs, government officials, contractors, and community members, signaled the commencement of several major road projects across the country.

In Afienya, President Mahama launched construction of the Dodowa–Afienya–Dawhenya Road, describing it as a “promise made, promise delivered,” recalling assurances he gave residents during the 2024 election campaign.

The President explained that the Big Push programme was designed to close Ghana’s annual infrastructure deficit of $1.5 billion, particularly in the roads sector. First proposed in 2020 but stalled after the NDC’s electoral defeat, the initiative has now been revived following the party’s return to power in 2024.

“The Big Push touches all 16 regions of our country. Our priority is to connect regional capitals, link districts, and improve roads in food-producing and industrial areas. This way, every region benefits, and no community is left behind,” he said.

The Afienya launch includes the construction or dualisation of several critical roads, such as:

• Dodowa–Afienya–Dawhenya Road
• Tema–Aflao Road (first phase)
• Ashaiman–Asutuare Road
• Oyibi–Apollonia–Afienya Road
• Dodowa–Somanya and Somanya Township Roads
• Shai Hills–Doryumu–Dodowa Road

Other stalled roads, including Dome–Kitase, Ofankor–Nsawam, and Adenta–Dodowa, have been restructured under the Big Push to ensure timely completion.

President Mahama noted that the majority of contractors engaged are Ghanaian firms, reinforcing government’s commitment to building local capacity. He assured the public that financing would not delay the projects, revealing that ₵13.9 billion has already been allocated for this year, with an additional ₵30 billion to be released next year.

The Big Push will extend beyond roads. From 2026, the programme is expected to cover health, education, agriculture, and sports infrastructure. Plans include irrigation systems to support all-year farming, improved feeder roads in farming communities, and a dedicated annual budget of ₵5 billion for road maintenance.

“This is the beginning of our economic transformation. Roads, railways, and aviation will open up our country so that goods, services, and people can move freely. Every kilometre we build is a step towards prosperity,” President Mahama declared.

Residents of Afienya welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that it would ease traffic congestion, facilitate trade, and create much-needed jobs for the youth.

The Big Push Infrastructure Agenda is expected to deliver durable, modern road networks across all 16 regions, generating thousands of jobs while strengthening agriculture, industry, and commerce.