Mahama explains phased approach to Big Push road projects

President John Dramani Mahama has defended the government’s decision to roll out the Big Push road infrastructure programme in phases, saying limited financial resources make it impossible to undertake road projects across the country at the same time.

He said the government was therefore prioritising projects according to their strategic importance and the resources available, while gradually expanding the programme to cover other roads.

President Mahama made the remarks during an inspection of the ongoing Wa-Han-Tumu-Navrongo road project on the opening day of his two-day tour of the Upper West Region.

Addressing concerns over the demand for roads in various communities, the President said the government recognised the need but could not meet every demand simultaneously.

“I want to assure our people that, although everyone wishes all their roads could be constructed at once, we simply cannot do that,” President Mahama said.

He explained that the government had structured the programme into different stages, with Big Push Phase One currently being implemented and work already underway to identify projects for the next phase.

“There is a limit to the budget we have. That is why there is Big Push Phase One. We are already scoping Big Push Phase Two, and there will also be Big Push Phase Three,” he added.

Trunk Roads First Under Big Push
The President said the initial focus would be on major arterial and trunk roads because of their importance to the wider transport network.

He explained that completing these major routes would establish a stronger highway network from which feeder roads serving communities could subsequently be developed.

“As we move forward, we will progress from the trunk roads to the feeder roads that connect with the trunk road network,” he stated.

According to President Mahama, the phased approach would eventually extend road construction and rehabilitation to towns and communities, allowing motorists across different districts to gain improved access to the main road network.

He said the strategy was intended to improve connectivity while making the best use of the resources available to the government.

Mahama Confident of Wa-Han-Tumu-Navrongo Completion

President Mahama also expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Wa-Han-Tumu-Navrongo road project, saying he expected the work to be completed in time for commissioning next year.

He described the road as an important link between the Upper West and Upper East Regions, particularly for the movement of people and goods.

“The work is progressing well, and we will return next year to commission this road. I am confident that the quality of the road will be excellent,” he said.

The President further disclosed plans to apply an asphalt seal to the road following the double surface dressing to strengthen the finished roadway.

“As the Minister said, after the double surface dressing, we will seal the entire road with asphalt from Wa to Bolgatanga,” President Mahama explained.

He said the additional treatment was aimed at improving the road’s lifespan and reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

“That will ensure the road lasts for at least the next 20 years and requires only minimal maintenance,” he added.

The inspection formed part of President Mahama’s activities on the first day of his two-day tour of the Upper West Region, during which he is engaging communities and assessing development projects under the government’s agenda.