President John Dramani Mahama has expressed confidence that Ghana will soon boast the best road network in West Africa within the next two years, thanks to the government’s ambitious Big Push infrastructure programme.
Speaking at a sod-cutting ceremony for the upgrading and rehabilitation of the 195-kilometre Wenchi–Bole–Sawla road on Wednesday, November 5, President Mahama described the project as a critical step toward modernizing Ghana’s transport infrastructure and boosting economic growth.
The President lamented the poor state of the Wenchi–Bole–Sawla road, which serves as a vital transport corridor linking the Middle Belt to the Northern regions. Despite carrying over 2,000 vehicles daily, the road has been left to deteriorate, stretching travel time between Wenchi and Sawla to nearly eight hours. Mahama described the situation as “unacceptable in modern Ghana” and noted that the bad road conditions have also made the route a hotspot for armed robberies.
“I wish to repeat my apology and regret to the people of Ghana. 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,” President Mahama assured.
He appealed to Ghanaians to remain patient and bear with the temporary inconvenience, emphasizing that the results would be worth the wait.
“Twenty-four months after the launch of the Big Push, Ghana will have the best roads in West Africa,” he declared confidently.
The Big Push initiative, according to the President, is designed to accelerate nationwide development through massive investments in infrastructure — particularly roads, bridges, and interregional highways — aimed at opening up the country for trade, agriculture, and tourism.
When completed, the upgraded Wenchi–Bole–Sawla road is expected to cut travel time between Wenchi and Wa by over 50 percent, reduce vehicle operating costs by 40 percent, and lower road accidents by about 45 percent.
President Mahama further directed contractors to prioritize the hiring of local labour, stressing that communities along the project corridor must directly benefit from the ongoing works.
“As far as possible, engage local people to work in construction. If you need labour, take the local people — don’t bring workers from elsewhere,” he instructed.
He also revealed that under the current phase of the Big Push initiative, the government will reconstruct the Fufulso–Sawla road, complete the Bole–Mandari–Chache connection to the Ivory Coast border, and link it to a high-quality highway stretching from Techiman through Wenchi, Bamboi, Sawla, Wa, and Hamile.
President Mahama’s remarks have since stirred optimism among residents and commuters in the Bono and Savannah regions, who believe the project will not only enhance mobility but also create jobs and stimulate local economies along the corridor
