2026 budget: GHC30.8bn allocated for Big Push Agenda – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson has allocated GH₵30.8 billion in the 2026 national budget to support the government’s Big Push road construction initiative, more than double this year’s GH₵13.8 billion allocation.

The increased investment forms part of the government’s broader strategy to accelerate infrastructure development, enhance regional connectivity, and strengthen Ghana’s position as a major trade hub in West Africa.

The additional funding will be used to complete ongoing projects and initiate new road networks, with particular focus on the northern transport corridors.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the Wa Big Push Project on Tuesday, November 11, President Mahama described the initiative as a cornerstone of Ghana’s long-term national development agenda. He stressed the need for quality work, transparency, and community involvement to ensure that the project delivers real value to citizens.

“To our contractors and engineers, let me be clear: the day of poor construction, inflated claims, and abandoned projects is over. Ghana deserves better. You must deliver quality on schedule and within budget, and the Ghanaian taxpayer must see value in every kilometre of road we construct,” President Mahama declared.

He assured Ghanaians that funding would not be a challenge under the new framework.

“As I've said everywhere, this year, the Finance Minister put 13.8 billion cedis into the Big Push road construction, and next year, he's reserving 30.8 billion cedis for the Big Push road construction. And so, payment is not going to be the problem. If a contractor is not working, it is not because he hasn't been paid. The Minister of Finance has guaranteed that once you raise your certificate and it is certified and inspected, and you've completed the road to specification, you will receive your payment immediately,” he explained.

President Mahama also urged residents to play an active role in safeguarding the project’s success.

“To achieve success in our communities, I urge you to support the work, protect the materials, and cooperate with the engineers,” he appealed.