2026 Budget: Over GHC30bn allocated for Big Push Agenda – Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson has earmarked GHC30.8 billion in the 2026 budget for the government’s Big Push road construction initiative — more than double this year’s allocation of GHC13.8 billion.
The move forms part of the government’s strategy to accelerate infrastructure development, improve regional connectivity, and position Ghana as a key trade hub in West Africa.
The new funding will facilitate the completion of ongoing projects and the start of new road networks, particularly across the northern transport corridors.
Speaking at the Wa Big Push Project sod-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, President Mahama underscored the project’s importance as a cornerstone of Ghana’s long-term national development agenda.
He stressed the need for quality, accountability, and community participation to ensure the initiative delivers tangible benefits.
“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 stated.
He further explained that financing would not be an obstacle 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.”
President Mahama also called on residents to take ownership of 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.