Ghana Minute.
Sunday, 23 August 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 23 August 2026
Accra—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Ghanaian press · Event

Big Push

Also known as: Big Push agenda · Big Push initiative · Big Push infrastructure bond

2026-04-242026-08-23

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. July 2026
  2. Joy Online

    The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, says this year’s heavy rains are exposing the quality of road construction across the country, urging contractors on the Big Push projects to construct proper drainage systems to protect the roads.

    Heavy rains expose poor road construction quality across Ghana – Roads Minister
  3. June 2026
  4. Joy Online

    sah, has assured Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the Central Region that the region will be among the first beneficiaries of the government’s electricity expansion and improvement programme under President John Dramani Mahama’s flagship “Big Push

    Deputy Energy Minister assures Central Region of priority under government’s electricity expansion programme
  5. The Chronicle

    President John Mahama has thrown his weight behind a stricter quality control regime for road construction projects being executed under the government’s ambitious ‘Big Push’ infrastructure programme, signalling that durability and value for money will be non-negotiable benchmark

    ‘Big Push’ Projects: Value For Money Won’t Be Compromised -Mahama
  6. Mahama promises prompt payment for Big Push contractors

    1. Joy Online

      President John Dramani Mahama has directed road engineers and contractors working on the Government’s “Big Push” infrastructure projects to ensure that all road works meet the highest quality standards before payments are approved.

      Mahama demands strict quality checks before road payments
    2. Joy Online

      President John Dramani Mahama has assured contractors working on the government’s flagship Big Push infrastructure programme that they will receive prompt payment upon successful completion and certification of their projects, provided they adhere to the required standards and ti

      Mahama assures Big Push contractors of prompt payment after project completion
  7. Joy Online

    President John Dramani Mahama in October last year, cut the sod for work to begin on the dualisation of the 73.6-kilometre N1 highway under the government’s flagship Big Push initiative, a national infrastructure development programme.

    Speed up work – Contractors on Takoradi-Cape Coast highway dualisation told
  8. Business & Financial Times

    The think tank also cautioned against neglecting existing road infrastructure while pursuing new construction projects under government’s Big Push agenda.

    CUTS calls for increased road fund allocation in mid-year budget
  9. Joy Online

    Through the forums and exhibitions, Ghana will highlight major national priorities and investment opportunities, including the Big Push Agenda, the 24-Hour Economy, the Volta Economic Corridor Project, and high-potential sectors such as energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, mining

    Ghana to court global investors at FIFA World Cup 2026 through Invest Ghana Business Forums
  10. Daily Guide

    Kwame Governs Agbodza The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has refuted claims of abuse of the single-sourcing procurement process in the award of road contracts under the ‘Big Push’ initiative, stating that over 90 percent of the proje

    Over 90% Of Road Projects Awarded Competitively – Govt
  11. The Chronicle

    The Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has dismissed allegations that the Ministry of Roads and Highways abused the single-source procurement process under the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme, disclosing that more than 90 per cent

    ‘Over 90% Of 2025-2026 Road Contracts Awarded On Merit’
Politics

Upper West MPs inspect N12 highway road works progress

The News

The Upper West Parliamentary Caucus inspected ongoing construction on the N12 Bole-Sawla-Wa highway, observing road clearing, drainage works, and asphalt works. The Regional Minister said the government is committed to completing the road and urged the contractor to accelerate work to finish on schedule.

16 hours ago · Joy Online

Yesterday

  1. Upper West MPs inspect N12 highway road works progress

    The Upper West Parliamentary Caucus inspected ongoing construction on the N12 Bole-Sawla-Wa highway, observing road clearing, drainage works, and asphalt works. The Regional Minister said the government is committed to completing the road and urged the contractor to accelerate work to finish on schedule.

    16 hours ago · Joy Online

  2. Upper West officials inspect Big Push road works on N12

    The Upper West Parliamentary Caucus and Regional Minister Charles Lwanga Puozuing inspected ongoing construction on the N12 Bole-Sawla-Wa highway, observing road clearing, drainage works, and asphalt activities. The Regional Minister urged the contractor to accelerate work and assured residents the road will be asphalted before the end of President Mahama's term in January 2029.

    22 hours ago · Joy Online

Thursday 20 August

  1. Government targets Big Push road projects completion by 2027

    The government has set a 24-month completion period for road projects under its Big Push programme, with most expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Deputy Minister Suhuyini said projects normally take 36 months but contractors have been given 24 months, with some progress expected before the end of 2026.

    20 August 2026 · Joy Online

Monday 17 August

  1. Government disburses GH¢23.1bn for road contractors and Big Push projects

    As of end July, the Government has disbursed GH¢23.1 billion to clear road contractors' arrears and fund projects under the Big Push infrastructure programme, the Roads Minister disclosed during President Mahama's inspection tour of the Upper East Region. The Minister stated that the bulk of the amount represents arrears payments.

    17 August 2026 · Joy Online

Saturday 15 August

  1. Government disburses GH¢23.1 billion for road projects and arrears

    Ghana's government has disbursed GH¢23.1 billion as of the end of July to clear road contractors' arrears and fund Big Push infrastructure projects, according to the Roads Minister. The minister stated that the bulk of the amount represents settlement of arrears dating from previous administrations.

    15 August 2026 · Joy Online

Friday 14 August

  1. Mahama reiterates commitment to link all regional capitals with roads

    President Mahama has reiterated his government's commitment to linking all regional capitals with good roads as part of the "Big Push" road programme, designed to improve connectivity and facilitate economic activities. He inspected ongoing construction on the Chuchuliga-Chiana section of the Chuchuliga-Tumu-Wa road, a 260-kilometre stretch spanning the Upper East and Upper West regions.

    14 August 2026 · Joy Online

Wednesday 12 August

  1. Government launches GH¢598m project to electrify 211 Central Region communities

    The government has launched a GH¢598 million rural electrification project to connect 211 communities without electricity across 22 districts in the Central Region to the national grid, implemented under the Rural Electricity Acceleration and Urban Intensification Initiative (REIP) as part of efforts to expand electricity access to underserved communities.

    12 August 2026 · Joy Online

Tuesday 11 August

  1. Presidential staffer challenges Fourth Estate's Big Push report accuracy

    A presidential staffer has disputed The Fourth Estate's reporting on a Presidential Committee investigation into sole-sourced contracts under Ghana's Big Push infrastructure programme, claiming official records contradict key claims in the media outlet's March 2026 publication about sole-sourcing in the Ministry of Roads and Highways.

    11 August 2026 · Joy Online

Friday 7 August

  1. Delayed government construction projects exposing Ghanaians to air pollution health risks

    Stalled roadworks under Ghana's "Big Push" infrastructure program, delayed by missed government payments to contractors, are leaving communities covered in dust and harmful pollutants and exposing millions to increased risk of diseases linked to air pollution including asthma, heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

    7 August 2026 · Joy Online

Monday 3 August

  1. ISSER warns fiscal gains mask decline in capital spending

    The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research cautions that Ghana's improved fiscal performance is being driven primarily by expenditure cuts rather than stronger revenue mobilisation, with capital expenditure showing the sharpest reduction and potentially undermining long-term economic growth.

    3 August 2026 · Joy Online

Sunday 2 August

  1. ISSER warns Big Push infrastructure program lacks measurable impact

    The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) has raised concerns that construction growth remained at only 1.3% in the first quarter of 2026 despite the government's 'Big Push' infrastructure programme, attributing weak performance to reduced capital expenditure and tight fiscal policy.

    2 August 2026 · Joy Online

Friday 31 July

  1. Roads Minister warns public against fraudulent Big Push contract sales

    The Minister for Roads and Highways has warned Ghanaians against fraudsters claiming to sell government road contracts under the Big Push programme, urging the public to report anyone making such false offers to the police.

    31 July 2026 · Joy Online

Wednesday 29 July

  1. CPS urges government to intensify domestic revenue mobilisation

    The Centre for Policy Scrutiny has called on government to boost domestic revenue collection through measures including mandatory Tax Identification Numbers for public services, VAT compliance reforms, and AI-driven customs revenue systems, while improving budget execution and fiscal transparency.

    29 July 2026 · Daily Guide

  2. Ghana's fiscal consolidation leaves GH¢30.7bn in critical spending unfulfilled

    The Centre for Policy Scrutiny reports that Ghana's government has left GH¢30.7 billion in critical public spending unfulfilled over the past 18 months while pursuing fiscal consolidation, as lower-than-budgeted expenditure achieved deficit reduction but prevented many government agencies from completing planned capital projects.

    29 July 2026 · The Chronicle

Tuesday 28 July

  1. Gold earnings mask petroleum decline and governance risks—NRGI

    The Natural Resource Governance Institute has warned that Ghana's strong gold exports and improved fiscal position mask structural weaknesses in the petroleum sector and governance gaps that require urgent reform. Ghana's oil production is projected to decline to 37.95 million barrels in 2026 from 46.35 million in 2025 due to maturing fields and reserve depletion.

    28 July 2026 · The Chronicle

Monday 27 July

  1. NYA's National Apprenticeship Programme ranked among best government policies

    The National Apprenticeship Programme implemented by the National Youth Authority has been ranked among the best-performing policies of the Mahama administration, according to a Global InfoAnalytics survey. The programme aims to equip young Ghanaians with employable skills through apprenticeship training and entrepreneurship opportunities.

    27 July 2026 · Joy Online

Friday 24 July

  1. Parliament defers 2026 mid-year budget review debate to Tuesday

    Parliament postponed debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review from Friday to Tuesday, July 28, to allow legislators time to study the fiscal policy document. Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presented the review highlighting improvements in macroeconomic indicators and government plans for infrastructure, agriculture, education and social protection.

    24 July 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ghana's economic reset shows stability but questions remain

    Eight months into Ghana's 2026 Budget reset, the cedi has remained broadly stable and the domestic bond market has reopened after a three-year absence, though observers note that sustaining discipline beyond the IMF programme and translating headline gains into better jobs and living standards remain key tests.

    24 July 2026 · Daily Guide

  3. Finance Minister says Big Push contractors not owed

    Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson insists the government does not owe contractors under the Big Push infrastructure programme, despite only spending GH¢6.5 billion of the GH¢30 billion annual allocation. He explained that payments are made only after contractors complete work and submit certificates that are verified by relevant authorities.

    24 July 2026 · Joy Online

Thursday 23 July

  1. Prof. Quartey urges focus on revenue and productive sectors

    Former ISSER director Professor Peter Quartey has urged the Finance Minister to use the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation and accelerate investment in infrastructure, agriculture, and manufacturing to create jobs, arguing that the next phase of economic management should focus on expanding productive sectors capable of generating employment and sustaining growth.

    23 July 2026 · Joy Online

Wednesday 22 July

  1. NPP official questions government's job creation and spending claims

    Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Chairman of the NPP Policy Co-ordination Committee, has questioned the credibility of government announcements on job creation and public spending, arguing that employment figures under the 24-Hour Economy policy are based on newly signed Memoranda of Understanding rather than operational projects, and that there is a gap between announced and actually disbursed funds.

    22 July 2026 · Joy Online

Monday 20 July

  1. Mahama expects Ho-Aflao Highway sections commissioned within six months

    President John Dramani Mahama expressed confidence that completed sections of the Ho-Aflao Highway reconstruction project will be commissioned within six months, with substantial portions expected ready for use by early or mid-2027. The Government divided the highway into five sections and awarded each to a different contractor to accelerate construction and improve monitoring.

    20 July 2026 · Joy Online

Thursday 16 July

  1. Ghana-Russia Center seeks deeper ties with Moscow Embassy

    The Ghana Russia Center for Commerce and Relations met with Ghana's Ambassador to Russia to strengthen institutional cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, technology transfer, and cultural diplomacy, positioning Ghana as a gateway for Russian businesses into West Africa.

    16 July 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Mahama says Big Push roads may finish before 2027

    President Mahama inspected road projects under the Big Push infrastructure programme and expressed satisfaction with progress, suggesting several projects could be completed ahead of the December 2027 deadline. The programme has created an estimated 300,000 direct and indirect jobs in construction, food vending, quarrying, fuel supply, cement distribution, and related sectors.

    16 July 2026 · Joy Online

Friday 10 July

  1. Minister threatens contract termination for Have-Hohoe road delays

    The Minister for Roads and Highways has given contractor Greenhouse International Development Limited a two-month ultimatum to increase progress on the 53.35-kilometre Have-Hohoe Road reconstruction to at least 20 percent, warning that failure to meet the target will result in contract termination; the project has taken approximately 14 years with only 13 percent of the revised work programme completed.

    10 July 2026 · Daily Guide

  2. Roads Minister adopts multi-contract approach for Big Push projects

    The Volta Regional Minister has commended the Roads and Highways Minister for using a multi-contract strategy in implementing road projects under the Government's "Big Push" infrastructure programme, saying the approach enhances efficiency, accountability, and competition among contractors. An inspection team toured ongoing projects across the Eastern, Volta and Oti Regions to monitor implementation, assess work quality and pace, identify challenges, and ensure timely completion.

    10 July 2026 · The Chronicle

Thursday 9 July

  1. Roads Minister ultimates Greenhouse International over Hohoe project delays

    The Minister for Roads and Highways has given Greenhouse International Development a two-month ultimatum to accelerate work on the Have–Hohoe Road Reconstruction Project or risk losing its contract. The contractor has been on the project since 2012 with little progress, and the minister has directed it to raise progress to at least 20 per cent within two months and deploy additional construction gangs.

    9 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

  2. Minister directs Big Push contractors to prioritise road safety measures

    The Minister for Roads and Highways has directed contractors executing Big Push road projects to incorporate necessary safety measures on highways to minimise accidents and protect road users. He also stated that the government will not approve cost variations for phase-one projects and that project scope is determined by technical studies rather than favouritism.

    9 July 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Roads Minister warns contractors of contract termination for delays

    The Minister for Roads and Highways has warned contractors that contracts will be terminated if they delay in executing road projects. During an inspection tour of projects in the Eastern, Volta and Oti regions, he said the government would not tolerate unnecessary delays and that contractors selected under the "Big Push" initiative were chosen based on their capacity to deliver on schedule.

    9 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

Wednesday 8 July

  1. Road minister demands contractors finish projects before new ones

    Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza has warned contractors to complete and hand over their ongoing government road projects before seeking new contracts, stating the government is considering making project completion a requirement before awarding additional road projects to curb delays.

    8 July 2026 · Joy Online

Big Push — Ghanaian press coverage · Ghana Minute