President John Dramani Mahama has cut sod for multiple road projects in the northern corridor, including the Wa-Tumu-Han-Navrongo and Wa-Laura-Hamile roads, as part of the Big Push Infrastructure Program.
These projects reflect Government’s resolve to restore fairness, equity and dignity to every part of the nation
Addressing the people of Wa during the sod cutting ceremony of the Wa-Han-Tumu Road on Tuesday, the President announced that government will undertake the upgrading and rehabilitation of more than 260 kilometers of roads in the Upper West region under this phase of the Big Push program.
The roads include the Wa-Bulenga-Yala road, Wa-Hang road, Tumu-Hang-Laura road, Tumu-Hamile road, Tumu-Sisili-Navrongo road, Tumu-Chuchuluga-Navrongo road and the Navrongo-Tumu-Sandema road.
President Mahama revealed that just last week, he cut sod for the Wenchi-Bamboi-Sawla-Wa road, emphasizing that the Big Push projects are interconnected across the country.
“Once completed, this particular stretch will link the north to the middle belt and beyond to Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger and will anchor Ghana’s position as a gateway for regional logistics and trade,” he said.
The President explained that when completed, travel time between Wa and Tumu will be reduced from four hours to less than two and a half hours, with transport costs expected to drop and accident rates to decline.
He noted that over 800,000 people will benefit directly from the projects, with another 1.5 million people benefiting indirectly through trade, education and healthcare improvements.
The projects will also include dualization of the Wa-UDS city center road from the Fire Service roundabout all the way to the UDS campus, bridge works over the Kanyube and Becheluhu rivers for year-round access, modern drainage and culvert systems to mitigate flooding, and safety features including signage, lighting and pedestrian crossings.
President Mahama disclosed that the projects will create over 2,500 direct jobs for engineers, artisans, machine operators, welders and technicians, with 7,000 indirect jobs for food vendors, suppliers and service providers.
He assured contractors that payment will not be a problem, revealing that the Finance Minister has reserved GH₵30.8 billion for Big Push road construction next year, up from GH₵13.8 billion this year.
“The minister of finance has guaranteed that once you raise your certificate and it is certified and inspected and you’ve done the road to specification, you receive your payment immediately,” he said.
The President warned contractors that the days of poor construction, inflated claims and abandoned projects are over, adding that Ghana deserves better.
He also urged communities to support the work, protect materials and cooperate with engineers, emphasizing that the roads belong to them and are being built for their children and great-grandchildren.
President Mahama described the Big Push as more than a developmental program, calling it a philosophy of governance rooted in inclusion, fairness and shared prosperity.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
