President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to equitable national development, promising transformative infrastructure for the Upper West Region under the Big Push Programme.

Speaking at the official sod-cutting ceremony in Wa, President Mahama outlined a bold plan to expand and modernise road networks, enhance regional connectivity, and create thousands of jobs.

Addressing concerns over rapid road damage caused by overloaded trucks, the president cautioned transport operators against breaching weight limits.

“If Burkina Faso has introduced new weight restrictions, so must we,” he said.

“We will engage stakeholders in the transport sector, but when the new rules take effect, we expect full compliance. Our roads must last beyond two or three years.”

To ensure efficiency and accountability, President Mahama explained that road projects had been divided into smaller sections, with multiple contractors working simultaneously.

“We’ve divided the roads into lots, with three or four contractors working at the same time,” he noted.

“This way, projects will be completed faster, and quality can be easily monitored. Those who perform well will be rewarded with more contracts.”

Under the Big Push Programme, more than 260 kilometers of roads will be constructed and upgraded in the Upper West Region, linking key towns such as Wa, Lawra, Hamile, Tumu, Navrongo, and Sandema.

Key features of the project include:

* Dualisation of the Wa–UDS City Centre Road to ease congestion and beautify the capital.

* Construction of new bridges over the Kanyube and Becheluhu rivers for year-round access.

* Installation of modern drainage systems, culverts, lighting, signage, and pedestrian crossings.

These improvements are expected to reduce travel time between Wa and Tumu from four hours to under two and a half, lower transport costs, and benefit over 2.3 million people directly and indirectly through better trade, education, and healthcare access.

“Every Ghanaian — whether in Wa, Navrongo, or Accra — deserves the same quality of roads and the same dignity of access,” President Mahama declared.

“Equity in infrastructure is not a privilege; it is a right.”

The project is expected to create over 2,500 direct jobs for engineers, artisans, machine operators, and technicians — along with an estimated 7,000 indirect jobs for suppliers, food vendors, and service providers.

President Mahama emphasised his administration’s focus on local content, ensuring that materials, labour, and services are sourced locally to stimulate community businesses and retain value within the region.

“When the NDC builds, we build with the people, for the people, and by the people,” he said.

“Infrastructure must not only change landscapes — it must change lives.”

The president assured contractors of timely payments, backed by strong financial provisions under the Big Push Programme.

“This year, GH₵13.8 billion has been allocated for road construction, and next year, GH₵30.8 billion is earmarked,” he revealed.

“Payment delays will not be an excuse for non-performance. Once your work meets specifications and is certified, you’ll be paid immediately.”

The Big Push Programme, according to President Mahama, forms a cornerstone of Ghana’s renewed development agenda — one that aims to deliver lasting, equitable infrastructure across all regions while driving growth, jobs, and national unity.