The Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Hon. Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, has announced that construction work on at least 50 key road projects across the country will officially commence before the end of 2025. These projects fall under the ambitious ‘Big Push’ infrastructure programme, a flagship agenda of the current administration aimed at transforming Ghana’s transportation network and stimulating economic growth.
Hon. Suhuyini made this revelation during a live interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Friday, July 25. The discussion followed the presentation of the Mid-Year Budget Review by the Finance Minister the previous day, which outlined the government’s fiscal roadmap for the remainder of the year.
Financial Clearance Secured, Projects Ready to Roll Out
In his remarks, the Deputy Minister emphasized that preparations for the rollout of the 50 road projects are well underway. He indicated that the necessary financial clearances have been secured and that the projects have received full backing from the presidency, signaling the government’s readiness to commence physical construction activities.
“I can tell you that the projects under the Big Push—about 50 roads—would have started before the end of this year,” he stated confidently. “President Mahama is preparing to officially break ground for these projects. The Finance Minister confirmed in his budget presentation that commencement certificates have already been issued, and we are ready to start construction on approximately 50 roads.”
This latest update adds momentum to the administration’s broader infrastructure development vision, which has been positioned as a cornerstone of its governance strategy. The Big Push initiative is aimed not only at upgrading existing road networks but also at opening up new transportation corridors, improving connectivity between regions, and driving industrial and agricultural growth.
Scope and Timeline: Average Length of 30 Kilometres Per Project
Providing further details, Hon. Suhuyini disclosed that each of the planned road projects would cover an average distance of about 30 kilometres. He noted that these roads would span both urban and rural areas, contributing significantly to the improvement of transportation and access to markets, services, and education across the country.
He explained that each project is expected to take no less than 18 months to complete, a deliberate timeline that aims to avoid any perception that the government’s infrastructure push is politically timed ahead of the 2028 general elections.
“That is why His Excellency has wisely decided to focus on the construction of these roads this year,” the Deputy Minister explained. “We are very mindful of the timing and optics. By ensuring the projects start well ahead of the election period, we reduce the likelihood that they will be seen as election-driven projects. This is about national development, not political expediency.”
Assurances on Quality, Cost Control, and Timely Completion
Addressing concerns about cost overruns, contractor inefficiencies, and unnecessary project delays—challenges that have historically plagued public infrastructure projects in Ghana—the Deputy Minister gave firm assurances that strict compliance measures have been instituted. He noted that the government is enforcing quality control and financial discipline on all contracts signed under the Big Push initiative.
“We are confident that our contractors will live up to expectations,” Suhuyini stated. “The government will also fulfil its responsibilities to ensure there are no delays and no cost variations. This is non-negotiable.”
Referencing statements made by the Finance Minister during the Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament, he reiterated that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy on variations and deviations from contractual terms. This approach, he explained, is aimed at safeguarding public funds and ensuring that Ghanaians receive full value for money.
“Take note of what the Finance Minister said yesterday. These projects will not tolerate variations. Because we are not entertaining variations, we also do not expect delays. Contractors must stick to the plan, and the government, for its part, will not default on its obligations.”
Call for Prompt Disbursement of Funds by the Finance Ministry
While expressing confidence in the operational readiness of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, Hon. Suhuyini was quick to highlight the need for continuous coordination between ministries to ensure the success of the Big Push agenda. He specifically called on the Ministry of Finance to play its part by ensuring timely disbursement of funds whenever payment certificates are due.
“We expect that the Finance Ministry will also be very responsive when it comes to honouring certificates that are ready to be paid by the state,” he said. “Delays in payments can have a ripple effect on the entire timeline of a project. We want to avoid that at all costs.”
A Transformational Moment for Ghana’s Infrastructure
The Big Push initiative represents one of the boldest infrastructure programmes in Ghana’s recent history. With a focus on road construction, bridges, drainage systems, and feeder roads, the programme is expected to generate thousands of jobs, boost local industries such as cement and steel, and significantly enhance the ease of doing business across the country.
Beyond the immediate economic impact, improved roads are also anticipated to reduce travel times, improve road safety, and enable better access to health and education services—particularly in rural and underserved areas.
As the nation awaits the official commencement of these transformative projects, the Ministry of Roads and Highways, under the leadership of sector ministers and deputies like Hon. Suhuyini, continues to engage stakeholders and monitor preparatory work to ensure that everything is on track for execution.
“This is a new era of infrastructure development,” the Deputy Minister concluded. “It’s not just about building roads; it’s about building trust, building resilience, and building a better future for all Ghanaians.”
Edited by: KENNEDY NTI AMPONSAH
EASTERN FM 105.1 MHZ
