Big Push Contractors to Be Paid Within Two Weeks of Submitting Certificates – Prez John Mahama

Former President John Mahama has assured that contractors involved in the Big Push infrastructure initiative will receive their payments within two weeks after submitting their payment certificates.

He noted that Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has guaranteed this timely payment schedule.

“This year, we have allocated GHS 14 billion for the Big Push. The Finance Minister has assured me that all contractors will receive a 15% mobilization fund to help them move to site quickly. He also assured me that any contractor working under the Big Push who submits a payment certificate will be paid within two weeks. So no contractor can claim delays in payment as a reason for not working. We expect to see work begin promptly once contracts are awarded,” Mahama said during his Thank You tour in the Upper West Region on May 15.

Mahama also disclosed plans for a new expressway between Accra and Kumasi, which will significantly reduce travel time between the two cities from four hours to about two and a half.

He added, “Cabinet will soon approve a list of priority projects under the Big Push infrastructure programme. Many of these will focus on the road sector and include dualizing major highways such as the Accra-Kumasi, Accra-Takoradi, and Accra-Aflao roads. We are also designing a new expressway linking Accra and Kumasi, which will cut travel time to around two and a half hours.”

Mahama further announced plans to address critical bridges, including the Dambai, Kyeiamanfrom, Buipe, Daboya, and Yapei bridges.

Focusing on the Upper West Region, Mahama emphasized that the government would tackle the region’s poor road infrastructure. “We experienced the terrible road conditions during the campaign, and under the Big Push, we’re prioritizing key routes such as the Wa-Tumu-Bolgatanga trunk road and the Techiman-Wenchi-Bole-Wa-Hamile corridor. Parts of the Sawla-Fufulso road will also be resurfaced to enhance connectivity between the Upper West, Savannah, and Northern Regions. These improvements will support trade, transport, and cross-border commerce,” he stated.

He also mentioned upgrades to roads in Wa-East, Nadowli, Fema-Buse-Issa, and Sisala-East districts to boost access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.

“My brothers and sisters, work will commence very soon. In a few months, you’ll see contractors actively working on these roads because funds have already been allocated in the budget,” he concluded.