President John Mahama has announced that the 2026 national budget allocates a record GH¢30.8 billion for the government’s flagship Big Push road construction initiative - more than double this year’s allocation of GH¢13.8 billion.

The massive injection, revealed at the Wa Big Push Project sod-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, underscores the administration’s determination to accelerate infrastructure development, strengthen regional connectivity, and position Ghana as a key trade hub in West Africa.

According to President Mahama, the new funding will drive the completion of stalled projects and the launch of new road networks, especially across the northern transport corridors that have long suffered from neglect.

“This initiative is a cornerstone of our long-term national development agenda,” he declared, emphasising that the success of the Big Push depends on quality work, fiscal discipline, and public accountability.

“To our contractors and engineers, let me be clear: the day of poor construction, inflated claims, and abandoned projects is over.

"Ghana deserves better. You must deliver quality on schedule and within budget, and the Ghanaian taxpayer must see value in every kilometre of road we construct,” President Mahama said.

He stressed that under the new framework, financing would not be an obstacle.

“As I’ve said everywhere, this year the Finance Minister put GH¢13.8 billion into the Big Push road construction, and next year, he’s reserving GH¢30.8 billion. So payment is not going to be the problem. If a contractor is not working, it is not because he hasn’t been paid.

"The Minister of Finance has guaranteed that once you raise your certificate and it is certified and inspected, and you’ve completed the road to specification, you will receive your payment immediately.”

President Mahama also urged residents to take ownership of the project and safeguard its progress.

“To achieve success in our communities, I urge you to support the work, protect the materials, and cooperate with the engineers,” he appealed.

The unprecedented budgetary allocation marks one of the largest infrastructure commitments in Ghana’s recent history — signalling what government officials describe as a decisive “turning point” in the country’s quest for durable, value-driven public works.