Afienya ‘Big Push’ road project to be completed in 24 months

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has assured Ghanaians that the newly launched Big Push road project in Afienya, Greater Accra Region, will be completed within 24 months.

Describing the initiative as a “bold intervention” beyond partisan politics, Mr Agbodza said it represents the single largest commitment to the road sector in the nation’s history.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, 16 September, the Minister acknowledged the heavy debt burden on his Ministry, estimated at GHS40 billion owed to contractors.

He, however, stressed government’s resolve to deliver tangible results despite the challenges.

“Mr President, if you come to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, we owe probably GH¢40 billion in debt to contractors. But when we went round the 16 regions, it was difficult to see what the money was spent on,” the Minister stated.

Mr Agbodza commended President John Dramani Mahama for championing the programme, describing it as a historic step in Ghana’s infrastructure development.

“Despite all that, Mr President, you made a bold commitment to institute an intervention that will go down in history as the biggest single intervention in our roads sector. The Big Push is not a campaign promise; it is a bold intervention by your government,” he said.

The Minister assured residents of Greater Accra and the Ga-Dangme area that the project would be completed on schedule.

“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 deliver even earlier,” he assured.

Mr Agbodza added that strict monitoring mechanisms would be put in place to ensure timely execution and value for money.

The government has allocated GHS13.85 billion (approximately USD892.9 million) for the programme, which is expected to significantly improve road infrastructure, enhance connectivity and boost economic activity across the region.