Accra: President John Dramani Mahama is set to inaugurate the construction of the approximately 99 km Ho-Denu road and the 58.5 km Dodowa-Afienya-Dawhenya road as part of the expansive 'Big Push' Project.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Ho-Denu road is a pivotal corridor that links Ghana to Togo through the Aflao border and provides wider connections to Nigeria via the West African coastal trade route. Meanwhile, the Dodowa-Afienya-Dawhenya road corridor serves as an essential transport link within the Greater Accra Region, connecting Dodowa, Afienya, and Dawhenya. This road offers a shorter alternative route between the Accra-Tema-Afienya-Akosombo-Ho corridor, enhancing connectivity to parts of the Volta and Eastern Regions, thereby reducing travel time for commuters and traders.
The 'Big Push' initiative by the government is a comprehensive infrastructure development strategy designed to transform Ghana's economy and enhance living standards. The plan aims to stimulate long-term economic growth, bridge critical infrastructure deficits, create thousands of jobs through large-scale construction projects, and improve the overall quality of life for Ghanaians. The government plans to invest GHS13.9 billion in 2025, with this figure projected to rise to GHS21.2 billion by 2028, focusing on four priority sectors.
These sectors include Roads and Transport, which aims to ease congestion, open up rural areas, and connect markets to boost economic activity. Energy and Power Generation is another focus, providing reliable electricity for industries and households to support growth. The initiative also prioritizes Digital Infrastructure, positioning Ghana for a competitive digital economy, and Urban and Rural Development, which seeks to improve housing, water, and sanitation services to enhance quality of life.
Funding for the initiative will primarily come from petroleum revenues and mineral royalties, with an emphasis on public-private partnerships (PPPs) to bridge the funding gap. The government has called on local and international investors to participate in the project, highlighting the critical role of PPPs in delivering these projects. The Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund will play a crucial role in attracting private capital and international development funding.
Overall, the 'Big Push' Project represents a significant effort by the government to tackle the country's infrastructure challenges and drive economic growth. With a projected investment of GHS21.2 billion by 2028, this project holds the potential to transform Ghana's economy and improve the lives of its citizens.