By Nelson Ayivor
The much-awaited infrastructure dream of the Volta Region has been ignited as President John Dramani Mahama yesterday (Tuesday) cut the sod for a colossal road construction initiative under his government’s flagship ‘Big Push’ Project.
The ceremony, which follows the official launch of the program in Afienya, Greater Accra, is a clear signal from the President to address the long-standing neglect of the region’s road network.
President Mahama, speaking to a huge gathering of chiefs and people, declared that the Volta Region has been given the largest chunk of projects under the ‘Big Push’, a move he described as a deliberate attempt to correct years of neglect, particularly under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
“For me, this is the reason the Volta Region has been given the greatest share of the Big Push Project,” a passionate Mahama explained. He recalled how many road projects started under the NDC in 2016 were callously abandoned by the NPP, worsening the already deplorable state of roads and stifling economic activities.
Roads Galore for the Volta
The roads earmarked for construction, which have sent residents into a frenzy, include the critical Atimpoku–Ho–Denu–Aflao road, awarded to First Sky Limited.
Other life-changing projects are the Afedji-Metrikasa road, Atiavi road, the rehabilitation of Asikuma junction, the Asikuma–Anyrawasi-Ho-Titirini road, rehabilitation of Ho-Kpotoe-Afienyayideba, and the Ziope township roads.
Also on the list are the upgrading of the Adaklu-Tafrewaya-Anyeme road, the Aboadi-Koadeape road, rehabilitation of the Sogode-Juapong road, dualisation of Dzodze roads, reconstruction of Have-Hohoe roads, and the construction of selected roads in Ho and Hohoe municipalities as well as Ketu North and South.
Money Secured, No More Excuses
To underscore his seriousness, the President revealed that funding, a perennial problem that has stalled many projects in the past, has been secured. He announced a whopping GHS 13.9 billion allocation in the 2025 budget for the ‘Big Push’ with an additional GHS 30 billion earmarked for 2026.
“These allocations,” he stressed, “will ensure contractors receive timely payment for work done, a historical challenge that has slowed infrastructure delivery.”
Presidential Eye on Projects
To ensure value for money and strict adherence to timelines, President Mahama announced the establishment of a special secretariat at the Office of the President. This unit, staffed with engineers and construction experts, will be dedicated to monitoring the execution of all ‘Big Push’ projects across the country.
Jobs for Graduates, Patience for Commuters
In a direct appeal to the contractors, President Mahama urged them to prioritize the employment of Ghanaian graduates, especially engineers, to provide them with much-needed hands-on experience.
He, however, appealed to the public to bear with his government during the construction period as the scale of work would inevitably cause some inconvenience to motorists and commuters.
“Every major road project comes with temporary discomfort, but we must look beyond the short-term and focus on the long-term benefits,” President Mahama said.
Beyond the Roads
The ‘Big Push’ project is a key plank of the NDC’s 2024 manifesto commitments to revamp infrastructure, accelerate industrial growth, and enhance access to social services.
In the Volta Region, it is expected to boost the livelihoods of farmers by linking farming areas to markets and reducing transportation costs. The long-neglected border routes like the Ho–Denu–Aflao stretch will also boost trade within the ECOWAS sub-region.
For the people of the Volta Region, yesterday was not just another sod-cutting; it was a long-awaited sign of hope that their roads, long defined by potholes and dust, are finally on the path to transformation.