2026 Budget: Over GH¢30bn Allocated for Big Push Agenda – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson has allocated GH¢30.8 billion in the 2026 national budget to fund the government’s flagship Big Push road construction initiative — more than double this year’s allocation of GH¢13.8 billion.

The significant increase, according to the President, reflects government’s determination to accelerate infrastructure development, enhance regional connectivity, and position Ghana as a major trade hub in West Africa.

Speaking at the Wa Big Push Project sod-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, President Mahama said the initiative represents a cornerstone of Ghana’s long-term national development vision.

He emphasized the need for quality, transparency, and accountability in the execution of the projects to ensure value for money.

“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 John Dramani Mahama

President Mahama assured contractors that financing would not be a challenge under the new framework, as government had put in place mechanisms to guarantee prompt payments.

“This year, the Finance Minister put 13.8 billion cedis into the Big Push road construction, and next year, he’s reserving 30.8 billion cedis. So, payment is not going to be the problem. If a contractor is not working, it’s not because he hasn’t been paid,” he said.
“Once your certificate is raised, certified, and inspected, and the road is completed to specification, payment will be made immediately.”

The President further appealed to local communities to support the project by safeguarding materials and cooperating with engineers during construction.

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

The Big Push Agenda, first introduced by the Mahama administration, seeks to drive large-scale infrastructure development through a mix of public financing and strategic partnerships, with a strong focus on roads, bridges, and urban renewal projects.