Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has directed road engineers and contractors working on the government's 'Big Push' infrastructure projects to ensure that all road works meet the highest quality standards before payments are approved. He emphasized that strict adherence to quality is essential to guarantee value for money, enhance road durability, reduce travel costs, improve safety, and support trade and economic growth, preventing roads from failing shortly after construction.
According to Ghana Web, the President gave the directive during an inspection of phase-two of the rehabilitation of the Kafodzidzi-Abransa road in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipality, as part of his two-day tour of the Central Region. Accompanied by Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, Central Regional Minister, and senior officials of the Ghana Highways Authority, President Mahama urged contractors and supervising engineers to adhere strictly to design specifications and internationally accepted construction standards.
President Mahama stated, "We will not accept substandard work. Every pesewa of public funds committed to these projects must deliver durable roads that serve Ghanaians for generations. Payments will be tied to verified quality and completion milestones." He noted that inadequate compacting often leads to road failure after rains, advising road engineers to ensure proper testing before payments.
The 5.49-kilometre road stretch from Aburansa to Kafodzidzi links the Cape Coast-Takoradi highway midway, facilitating faster transport of fresh catch to markets, expanding access to health and education services, attracting investments, and strengthening social and economic resilience. The project was awarded in December 2025 to M/S Ashcal Investment Limited for GHC54,961,893.00 and is scheduled for completion in 24 months.
Major works on the site include earthworks, construction of U-drains, installation of culverts, laying base and sub-base courses, surface dressing, provision of road line markings, and construction of speed humps. As of June 26, 2026, physical completion stood at 22.8 percent, with expenditures totaling GHC8,326,352.65, representing 16.83 percent financial progress, almost six months into the contract period.
President Mahama highlighted that the project will strengthen rural-urban linkages, stimulate trade, and improve access to essential services for the communities along the corridor. He acknowledged that recent rains have slowed progress on the Big Push roads nationwide but expressed confidence that contractors would deliver on schedule to ease commuters' challenges.
He assured road contractors that funds for the ongoing Big Push projects were available and would be paid promptly once work was certified on completion. He encouraged contractors to accelerate work to ensure timely payments. President Mahama also asked communities not yet benefiting from Big Push projects to remain patient, as the government plans to scope the second phase of the projects in 2027.