President John Dramani Mahama has expressed optimism that Ghana will boast the best road network in West Africa within the next two years through the implementation of the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme.
Speaking at a sod-cutting ceremony for the upgrading and rehabilitation of the 195-kilometre Wenchi–Bole–Sawla road on Wednesday, November 5, President Mahama lamented the poor state of the route, which serves as a major transport corridor between the Middle Belt and the Northern regions.
He noted that despite over 2,000 vehicles using the road daily, it had been left to deteriorate, extending travel time between Wenchi and Sawla to as long as eight hours, describing the situation as “unacceptable in modern Ghana,” adding that it has also made the route a hotspot for armed robberies.
“I wish to repeat my apology and regret to the people of Ghana that with the start of the Big Push, the whole of Ghana is going to be a construction site for the next two years. Wherever in this country you go, roads will be under construction,” President Mahama said.
He appealed to Ghanaians to be patient and bear with the temporary inconvenience, assuring that the outcome would be transformative.
“Twenty-four months after the launch of the Big Push, you will have the best roads in West Africa,” he added.
Upon completion, the project is expected to reduce travel time between Wenchi and Wa by more than 50 %, cut vehicle operating costs by 40 %, and reduce road accidents by approximately 45%, directing contractors working on the project to prioritise the hiring of local labour.
“Under this phase of the Big Push, we will reconstruct the Fufulso–Sawla road, complete the Bole–Mandari–Chache connection to the Ivory Coast border, and integrate it into a continuous high-quality highway stretching from Techiman through Wenchi, Bamboi, Sawla, Wa, and Hamile,” he announced.
“As far as possible, engage local people to work in construction. If you need labour, take the local people. Don’t bring workers from elsewhere,” he instructed.
