The President explained that the implementation strategy would prioritise major arterial and trunk roads before attention is shifted to feeder roads and roads within local communities.

President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians of his government’s commitment to delivering durable and high-quality road infrastructure under the flagship “Big Push” programme.

The President said government’s approach to the country’s road infrastructure challenges would be implemented in phases, stressing that limited financial resources make it impossible to construct all roads across the country simultaneously.

President Mahama made the remarks after inspecting ongoing works on the strategic Wa-Han-Tumu-Navrongo road project on the first day of his Resetting Ghana Tour of the Upper West Region.

He acknowledged the widespread demand from Ghanaians for improved roads but appealed to the public to exercise patience as government gradually rolls out projects under the various phases of the Big Push initiative.

According to President Mahama, government has already begun planning for subsequent phases of the programme.

“I want to assure our people that, although everyone wishes all their roads could be constructed at once, we simply cannot do that. There is a limit to the budget we have. That is why there is Big Push Phase One. We are already scoping Big Push Phase Two, and there will also be Big Push Phase Three.”

The President explained that the implementation strategy would prioritise major arterial and trunk roads before attention is shifted to feeder roads and roads within local communities.

He said completing the major trunk road network would provide a strong foundation for connecting districts and communities to the country's main highway system.

President Mahama noted that once the trunk roads are substantially completed, government would progressively expand the programme to feeder roads that link communities and towns to the main network.

“As we move forward, we will progress from the trunk roads to the feeder roads that connect with the trunk road network. After the trunk roads are completed, we will extend the feeder roads into our communities and towns.”

Wa-Han-Tumu-Navrongo Road

President Mahama also expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the Wa-Han-Tumu-Navrongo road, describing the project as an important economic corridor linking the Upper West and Upper East Regions.

He said the project was progressing well and expressed confidence that it would be ready for commissioning next year.

The President further indicated that government was taking steps to ensure the road delivers long-term value for money rather than requiring frequent maintenance.

He said the road would receive an asphalt seal following the double surface dressing works, covering the stretch from Wa to Bolgatanga.

“The work is progressing well, and we will return next year to commission this road. I am confident that the quality of the road will be excellent.”

He added that the additional asphalt treatment was intended to significantly extend the lifespan of the road.

“After the double surface dressing, we will seal the entire road with asphalt from Wa to Bolgatanga. That will ensure the road lasts for at least the next 20 years and requires only minimal maintenance.”

The inspection of the Wa-Han-Tumu-Navrongo road marked the first activity on President Mahama’s schedule for his two-day tour of the Upper West Region.

The tour forms part of his broader Resetting Ghana Tour, during which he is expected to engage stakeholders and assess ongoing government projects and development initiatives in the region.

Report By: Robicon Mornahson