Former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has officially broken ground for the redevelopment of the Atimpoku to Aflao road as part of the Big Push Project, a $10 billion nationwide infrastructure programme.
The project will cover a stretch of 117 kilometres, linking Atimpoku to Asikuma, Anyrawase, Ho, Denu, and Aflao. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Mahama assured that the project will begin in 2025 without delays, adding that contractors will be paid on time to ensure work continues smoothly.
He said a Big Push Secretariat would be set up at the Presidency to monitor progress on all projects under the initiative. He appealed to Ghanaians to bear with the inconveniences that will come with the road works, explaining that such sacrifices are necessary for lasting development.
Mr. Mahama explained that contractors had been carefully positioned to avoid workload pressure and to allow them deliver projects within the agreed timelines. He further urged contractors to prioritise the use of Ghanaian labour in order to create employment opportunities for citizens.
According to him, the Big Push Programme is designed to provide lasting solutions to the poor state of Ghana’s road network. He pointed out that the Volta Region has been among the most neglected areas in terms of road development. He added that aside from the major roads, some town roads in the region would also be fixed once construction begins.
Minister for Roads and Highways, Mr. Kwame Governs Agbodza, also spoke at the event. He said many commitments made by past governments in the road sector had not been delivered. He stressed that the current administration was determined to implement the Big Push Programme to completion.
Mr. Agbodza emphasised that Ghanaian contractors were capable of executing the road works and would deliver on schedule. He assured that the people of the Volta Region would enjoy comfort and better connectivity once the roads are completed.
The Minister also directed that all contractors and consultants handling Big Push projects must secure fit-for-purpose insurance cover for their work. He explained that every road under the initiative would be executed in line with the government’s 24-Hour Economy Policy, where construction takes place both day and night.
The Atimpoku–Aflao road is only one of several projects listed under the Big Push Programme. Others include the rehabilitation of the Dodo Pepesu–Nkwanta Road, Atimpoku–Asikuma Junction Road, Asikuma Junction–Anyirawase Road, reconstruction of Anyirawase–Ho Tritrinu Road, rehabilitation of Ho–Kpetoe Road, Kpetoe–Afiadenyigba Road, Afiadenyigba–Penyi Road, and the Penyi–Aflao Road.
Traditional ruler and Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, described the Big Push as a crucial project that required the support of all stakeholders. He said government alone could not shoulder the responsibility and called on the private sector and citizens to work together in making the project successful.
He commended Mr. Mahama for supporting the private sector and for showing commitment to road infrastructure as a driver of job creation.
Ghanaian construction firm, First Sky Ltd, has been contracted to handle parts of the redevelopment, including the dualisation of the Anyrawase–Ho section, the Ho–University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) bypass road, and the Ho–Denu section.
Analysts believe that the Big Push Project, if successfully executed, could transform Ghana’s transportation system, open up trade routes, improve road safety, and generate thousands of jobs. For residents of the Volta Region, many of whom have endured poor roads for decades, the redevelopment marks a significant step toward inclusive development.
