President John Dramani Mahama has expressed optimism that most road projects under the government’s Big Push programme will be completed by the end of 2027, allowing Ghanaians to begin enjoying the benefits of the initiative.
He made the remarks during an inspection of ongoing construction works on the 48-kilometre Acherensua–Sunyani road, where he commended the Minister for Roads and Highways for ensuring that contractors remained focused on delivering projects at the expected pace.
“I commend the road minister for the hard work you’re doing. You are keeping all the contractors on their toes, and it’s making the programme we launched under the Big Push move at the pace that we expect,” he said.
President Mahama noted that most of the contracts were awarded by the end of 2025 and expressed confidence that the majority would be completed by the end of 2027.
He said the timely completion of the projects would enable Ghanaians to begin experiencing the benefits of the government’s investment in road infrastructure.
The President also commended Newmont for partnering with the government on the road and bridge project, describing such collaborations as the kind of partnership needed to accelerate development.
He urged major mining companies and corporate organisations to partner with the government to finance development projects, including through 50-50 funding arrangements and corporate social responsibility initiatives in their operational areas.
According to him, such partnerships would ensure that communities also benefited from mining activities and the investments made in their areas.
President Mahama explained that the bridge project was particularly important because residents had faced significant difficulties travelling between the two regions for many years.
He said travellers moving from the Brong Ahafo area to Acherensua previously had to disembark, remove their luggage and cross a dangerous wooden bridge over the water before boarding another vehicle to continue their journey.
He noted that, according to accounts from local leaders, several people had lost their lives after falling into the water while attempting to cross the bridge.
Travellers who wanted to avoid the crossing had to take an alternative route through Kenyasi, adding about 40 kilometres to their journeys.
President Mahama said the new bridge would eliminate the obstacle, shorten travel distances and improve economic activities in the area.
He disclosed that, according to the project consultant, the bridge was expected to be opened to traffic by November, even though construction on the entire road project would not yet have been completed.
The President added that the full 48-kilometre road project was expected to be completed, asphalted and opened to traffic by September 2027.
He said he would return with traditional leaders, including Nana Ntotroso, to officially commission the road when construction was completed.
