Mahama credits economic gains to policy reforms, unveils major road projects under ‘Big Push Programme’
President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana’s economy is beginning to show signs of recovery, thanks to decisive policy reforms and strict fiscal discipline implemented by his administration.
Speaking during his Thank You Tour in the Upper West Region, President Mahama pointed to the recent stabilisation of the Ghana cedi and a gradual decline in the cost of living as early indicators of economic progress.
“Real work begins now, and I’m here not just to say thank you but to reassure you that your voice has been heard,” the President told a crowd of supporters. “Your vote has a purpose, and that purpose is to bring development to the region.”
The President credited the positive developments to bold economic decisions taken early in his term and noted that the 2024 national budget was a key moment in Ghana’s economic reset.
“Since taking over the reins of government, our focus has been on stabilising the economy,” he said. “We presented to Parliament a budget aimed at severely trimming expenditure and channelling the savings into priority programmes, as promised in our manifesto.”
He added that results are beginning to show: “The cedi is holding up, and the prices of goods and services are beginning to come down. That’s a direct result of the tough but necessary decisions we took.”
President Mahama praised his economic management team, particularly the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, for their “close collaboration” in guiding the recovery. “By the time the Honourable Minister returns to Parliament in August for the mid-year review, I’m confident we’ll have even more good news to share,” he stated.
Infrastructure Push: Major Road Projects on the Way
As part of his government’s Big Push Infrastructure Programme, President Mahama announced that Cabinet is preparing to approve a list of large-scale national infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on road construction.
“Cabinet will soon approve priority projects under the Big Push Programme. Understandably, a significant number of these will be in the road sector,” he said.
Key initiatives include the dualisation of major highways like Accra-Kumasi, Accra-Takoradi, and Accra-Aflao, along with the construction and rehabilitation of bridges such as Dambai, Echia-Mangfrum, Bupe, Daboya, and Yape.
A standout announcement was a new expressway linking Accra and Kumasi, which is expected to cut travel time between the two cities to just two and a half hours. “This is a game-changer in our national transport network,” he said.
Focus on the Upper West Region
President Mahama acknowledged that the road network in the Upper West Region remains a major concern and assured residents that it is high on the national agenda.
“During the campaign, we travelled on the terrible road network that has become characteristic of the Upper West Region,” he recalled. “That’s why, under the Big Push, we are prioritising the Watumu–Bolgatanga Trunk Road.”
He concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive development: “We are determined, under the guidance of the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, to bring transformational change to every corner of Ghana, especially regions like the Upper West that have long been underdeveloped despite their immense potential.”
