Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has broken ground for the redevelopment of the Atimpoku to Aflao road under the Big Push Project. The project will span 117 kilometers, covering areas from Atimpoku to Asikuma to Anyrawase to Ho to Denu to Aflao.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama announced that the Big Push Project is a USD $10 billion initiative, with construction scheduled to begin in 2025. He assured that there would be no delays in the project, as contractors will receive timely payments. A Big Push Secretariat will be established at the Presidency to monitor the projects regularly.
President Mahama urged citizens to be patient with the inconveniences that may arise from the nationwide construction works under the project. He emphasized that contractors are strategically positioned to prevent any workload issues, allowing them to complete the project on time. He also encouraged contractors to hire Ghanaian workers to ensure the project’s success.
The President stated that the Big Push Programme aims to address the poor state of roads across the country, specifically mentioning the neglected roads in the Volta region. In addition to major roads, some town roads within the region will also be addressed once construction begins.
Minister for Roads and Highways, Mr. Kwame Governs Agbodza, highlighted that past commitments to the road sector were not fulfilled. He affirmed that the government would see the programme through to its successful completion. He expressed confidence in the capabilities of Ghanaian contractors to complete the Big Push Project on schedule, ensuring improved comfort for the people of the Volta Region.
Mr. Agbodza insisted on the necessity of fit-for-purpose insurance coverage for all contractors and consultants. He also stated that all projects under the Big Push Programme would align with the government’s 24-Hour Economy Policy, allowing construction to continue day and night.
Additional roads under the Big Push include the rehabilitation of Dodo Pepesu – Nkwanta Road, Atimpoku – Asikuma Junction Road, Asikuma Junction – Anyirawasi Road, reconstruction of Anyirawasi – Ho Tritrinu Road, and several others.
Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, emphasized the need for support in fulfilling the promise of more jobs, acknowledging that it is not solely the government’s responsibility. He expressed gratitude to the President for supporting the private sector’s role in the solution.
Messrs. First Sky Ltd, a Ghanaian contractor, is set to work on the dualisation of major road sections, including Anyrawase-Ho, Ho UHAS by-pass road, and Ho-Denu road section.