Ghana's Big Push: 2,000km of Roads Set to Transform Business and Trade

President John Dramani Mahama has launched the largest road investment in Ghana's history, a bold initiative that promises to reshape the nation's economic landscape. The Big Push program, which began with a sod-cutting ceremony in Afienya on September 16, 2025, covers nearly 2,000 kilometers of road rehabilitation and construction, backed by a GH¢50 billion investment that signals a new era for Ghanaian infrastructure.

This is not just about smoother journeys. It is about connecting farmers to markets, cutting travel times dramatically, and opening up regions that have long been isolated. For a nation on the move, the Big Push represents a clear statement: Ghana is open for business.

What is the Big Push and why does it matter?

The Big Push is a comprehensive infrastructure program that includes 50 new road projects spanning 1,144 kilometers, plus 23 inherited projects from the previous government covering an additional 573 kilometers. The total investment of GH¢50 billion makes this the most ambitious road-building effort in Ghana's history.

President Mahama described the project's journey from concept to reality:

“A baby is being born and that baby is a healthy, bouncing Big Push baby. It was conceived in 2020, but suffered a miscarriage when we lost the elections. In 2024, it was conceived again. And today we are delivering that bouncing baby.”

Every region of Ghana will benefit from this program. The government's priorities are clear: first, regional capitals; second, district-to-district connections; and third, food-producing areas. This strategic approach ensures that development reaches beyond Accra and touches communities across the nation.

Flagship projects: The Accra-Kumasi Expressway and historic bridges

The centerpiece of the Big Push is the 198.7-kilometer six-lane Accra-Kumasi Expressway. Once completed, this modern highway will slash travel time between Ghana's two largest cities from six hours to just two and a half hours. For businesses, this means faster logistics, reduced fuel costs, and more efficient supply chains.

Two landmark bridge projects will also transform connectivity. The Dambai Bridge will end the dangerous ferry crossings that have stranded residents for hours, while the 3.6-kilometer Adawso-Ekye Amanfrom Bridge will become the longest in Ghana, linking communities in the Eastern Region like never before.

How will the Big Push boost Ghana's economy?

The economic benefits of this infrastructure investment extend far beyond smoother roads. Here is what the Big Push means for Ghanaian businesses and workers:

• 50,000+ direct jobs for masons, drivers, engineers, and local food vendors at construction sites
• Reduced post-harvest losses currently at 30%, as roads like Tepa-Mabang-Goaso and Navrongo-Tumu will move food from farm to market faster
• Attracting investors as good roads bring factories to districts, not just Accra
• Keeping money in Ghana through the use of local contractors like Oswal Investment

For the farmer in the Northern Belt, the trader in the Volta Region, and the manufacturer in Ashanti, these roads represent new opportunities to grow their businesses and reach wider markets.

Social impact: Saving lives and connecting communities

The Big Push is also a social revolution. The dualization of Cape Coast-Takoradi and Kasoa-Winneba roads will significantly reduce fatal accidents on these busy corridors. Ambulances and school buses will finally reach villages in Western North, Oti, and the Northern Belt without delay.

Communities along the Afienya-Dawhenya and Ofankor-Nsawam corridors will experience less dust and fewer health issues, improving quality of life for thousands of Ghanaians.

Regional distribution: Every region gets its share

One of the most striking features of the Big Push is its commitment to fair distribution. From the Enchi-Elubo road in Western North to the Gbintri-Nakpanduri road in the North East, every region is represented. The program also includes 40 kilometers per constituency, with the 166 constituencies with the worst roads each receiving 10 kilometers of new roads every year with proper drainage.

International connections are also a priority. The Tema-Aflao and Enchi-Elubo roads will boost ECOWAS trade with Togo and Ivory Coast, positioning Ghana as a regional trade hub.

Will the Big Push deliver on its promises?

Past infrastructure projects in Ghana have sometimes faltered, with contractors abandoning sites and projects stalling for years. The government says this time will be different. Contractors will be paid within two weeks once they raise their certificates, and only contractors with real equipment will be engaged to do the job.

For the driver stuck in mud, the farmer unable to move produce, and the trader waiting for goods, the Big Push represents hope. Not just hope in a manifesto, but hope on the ground. If Phase One succeeds, it will be remembered as the moment Ghana stopped patching roads and started building a nation.

Frequently asked questions about Ghana's Big Push

How much will the Big Push cost and how is it funded?

The Big Push involves a total investment of approximately GH¢50 billion for new projects, plus GH¢15 billion for inherited projects. The government has ring-fenced the funding and committed to paying contractors within two weeks of certificate approval to ensure projects stay on track.

Which regions benefit most from the road projects?

Every region of Ghana benefits from the Big Push. The program prioritizes regional capitals first, then district-to-district connections, and finally food-producing areas. Notable projects include the Accra-Kumasi Expressway, Dambai Bridge, and roads across the Northern Belt, Western North, and Volta regions.

How will the Big Push create jobs for Ghanaians?

The program is expected to create over 50,000 direct jobs for masons, drivers, engineers, and local food vendors at construction sites. The use of local contractors ensures that the economic benefits stay within Ghana's borders.

Looking ahead: A nation under construction

Ghana is under construction, and the Big Push is leading the way. For entrepreneurs, investors, and the diaspora looking to invest in Ghana's future, this infrastructure revolution creates unprecedented opportunities. The roads being built today are not just asphalt and bridges; they are the arteries of a growing economy, connecting people, ideas, and markets.

The Big Push is a promise being kept. And for Ghana, the journey has only just begun.