President John Mahama has expressed optimism that Ghana will have the best roads in West Africa within the next two years under his government’s Big Push Initiative, a nationwide infrastructure drive aimed at transforming transport and boosting economic productivity.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the upgrading and rehabilitation of the 195-kilometre Wenchi–Bole–Sawla–Wa Road, the President described the project as a critical step towards opening up the country’s agricultural corridors and connecting the middle belt to northern markets.

He said it was unacceptable that such an important route had been left to deteriorate despite carrying more than 2,000 vehicles and 4,000 tonnes of goods daily, including yams, cashew, and grains.

“For the past few years, this strategic artery has been allowed to deteriorate. Potholes, failed pavements, and broken drains have made travel difficult and hazardous.

"Vehicle operating costs have risen by nearly 40%, and travel time between Wenchi, Sawla, and Wa can take up to eight hours. Because of the slow pace of movement, armed robberies have also become common. This is unacceptable in modern Ghana.”

The President assured Ghanaians that the Big Push Initiative would soon make a visible difference across all regions.

“I wish to repeat my apology and regret to the people of Ghana that with the start of the Big Push, the whole country is going to be a construction site for the next two years. Wherever you go, roads will be under construction. I ask Ghanaians to be patient and accept the inconvenience because 24 months after the launch, you will have the best roads in West Africa.”

He explained that the rehabilitation of the Wenchi–Wa stretch would cut travel time by more than half and bring down vehicle operating costs by 40%. He said the project would also improve safety, stimulate trade, and enhance agricultural productivity.

“When completed, travel time between Wenchi and Wa will be cut by more than 50%, road accidents will reduce by about 45%, and farm produce will reach markets on time. This is the essence of the 24-hour economy good roads that support production, processing, and logistics to run continuously, creating jobs and sustaining livelihoods.”

The Wenchi–Wa Road project, he said, forms part of a broader transformation of Ghana’s north-western corridor, linking Tain, Bamboi, Sawla, and Wa to the Sahel trade routes.

“Under this phase of the Big Push, we will reconstruct the Fufulso–Sawla Road and complete the Bole–Mandari–Chache connection to the Ivory Coast border,” he revealed.

“This will create a continuous high-quality highway from Techiman through Wenchi, Bamboi, Sawla, Wa, and Hamile, connecting the agricultural heartlands of the middle belt to our northern frontier.”

President Mahama also directed contractors to prioritise local labour and local suppliers throughout the construction process to boost job creation and local economies.

“If you need labour, take the local people, don’t bring workers from elsewhere. If you need food or water, our people here are enterprising enough to supply you. I urge the youth from Bamboi, Banda, Tinga, Bole, and Sawla to take advantage of this opportunity.”

In a related announcement, the President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to linking infrastructure development with social and economic reforms under the 24-hour economy framework.

He revealed that the Ghana Prisons Service would soon play a role in this drive by operating prison industries that would run around the clock.

“The Ghana Prison Service will actively contribute to the 24-hour economy by running prison industries manufacturing furniture, sewing school uniforms, and processing agricultural products. This will generate income to sustain the service and equip inmates with practical skills for life after their release.”

He added that the government is supporting the Service to venture into large-scale farming, including poultry and vegetable production, with access to fertiliser, mechanised equipment, and agricultural tractors.

“We have also increased the daily feeding rate for inmates from GH₵1 80pesewas to GH₵5. This is not charity; it is justice. It reflects our belief that dignity should never depend on one’s circumstances.”

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