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Mahama Has Revived Ghana’s Road Sector Through Bold Reforms – Dr. Edem Segbefia Tells NDC Grassroots
By: Emmanuel Austin Baah
Aspiring National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Edem Segbefia, has hailed the sweeping reforms undertaken by President John Dramani Mahama’s administration in the road sector, describing them as a remarkable turnaround that has restored confidence, accelerated infrastructure development and brought tangible benefits to communities across Ghana.
Addressing party grassroots members during an interactive engagement in the Bono East Region, Dr. Segbefia said the government inherited a road sector characterised by abandoned projects, unpaid contractors and deteriorating road networks, but had transformed it through bold policy interventions and strategic investment.
“I bring you greetings and a message of hope from His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama. The work being done on our roads and highways is visible evidence that the NDC is delivering on its promises,” he said.
According to Dr. Segbefia, prior to the NDC’s return to office, contractors had not been paid, numerous road projects had stalled and poor road conditions had become a daily burden for farmers, traders, transport operators and commuters.
“Today, that narrative has changed completely,” he stated.
Big Push Programme Driving Infrastructure Boom
Dr. Segbefia identified the government’s flagship Big Push Infrastructure Programme as the cornerstone of the administration’s ambitious road development agenda.
He revealed that the programme has mobilised an unprecedented GH¢50 billion in infrastructure investment within just 16 months, making it the largest road investment initiative in Ghana’s history.
“Nearly 2,000 kilometres of roads are currently under construction simultaneously across all sixteen regions of Ghana. More importantly, every contractor working under the Big Push Programme has been paid, and as of April 2026, government owes none of them a single cedi,” he disclosed.
He explained that the introduction of the government’s “pay-as-you-work” financing policy has ensured steady cash flow for contractors, improved project execution and restored confidence within the construction industry.
Transparency Restoring Confidence
Dr. Segbefia also praised the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public procurement.
He disclosed that more than 90 per cent of road contracts had been awarded through competitive tendering, significantly strengthening public confidence in the sector.
“About 90.28 per cent of the 1,441 road contracts awarded have gone through open and competitive procurement processes. Single-source procurement has only been applied in exceptional cases to prevent cost escalation and where it complied fully with the law,” he explained.
He noted that the transparent approach had enhanced the credibility of the road sector while strengthening relationships with contractors and development partners.
Landmark Projects Transforming Regional Economies
Among the flagship projects highlighted was the recently launched 195-kilometre Wenchi–Bole–Sawla–Wa Road, which forms part of the Big Push Programme.
Dr. Segbefia described the project as a major economic corridor that will improve connectivity between the Bono, Savannah and Upper West regions while boosting trade and agricultural productivity.
He said that once completed, the project is expected to reduce travel time between the affected regions from six hours to less than three hours, lower vehicle operating costs by approximately 30 per cent and reduce road crashes by about 45 per cent.
He further disclosed that township roads in Bamboi, Banda, Nkwanta and Tinga are also being upgraded under the same initiative to improve accessibility for residents.
The aspiring National Vice Chairman also highlighted the Ofankor–Nsawam Dualisation Project on the Accra–Kumasi Highway, revealing that construction has reached approximately 75 per cent completion.
Roads Creating Jobs and Expanding Opportunities
Dr. Segbefia stressed that the government’s infrastructure agenda extends far beyond road construction, describing it as a catalyst for economic transformation, employment creation and improved livelihoods.
He indicated that the Wenchi–Bole–Wa Road project alone is expected to create approximately 1,800 direct jobs and more than 4,500 indirect employment opportunities during construction.
“Farmers will transport their produce to markets more quickly and with less spoilage. Traders will spend less time on the road, workers will commute more efficiently, transport costs will fall and businesses will become more productive,” he said.
He added that the government’s strategy of developing economic corridors linking farming communities with urban markets and neighbouring countries would stimulate commerce and strengthen regional economies.
Grassroots Urged to Promote Government Achievements
Dr. Segbefia called on NDC branch executives and grassroots members to actively communicate the government’s development achievements to the electorate.
“When people see graders, asphalt and construction equipment working in their communities, they are witnessing evidence that the NDC delivers. These projects provide our branch executives with compelling stories to tell and demonstrate that the party is honouring its commitments,” he said.
He noted that improved roads would reconnect isolated communities with district capitals, commercial centres and essential public services, thereby improving economic opportunities and quality of life.
“The road sector was virtually dormant in 2024. Today, Ghana has become one of the country’s largest construction sites, funded largely through domestic resources. The benefits are already visible—jobs are being created, transport costs are falling and ordinary Ghanaians are beginning to experience the impact.”
Concluding his address, Dr. Segbefia appealed to party members and Ghanaians to remain patient and continue supporting the Mahama administration as it implements its development agenda.
“When our roads improve, our economy grows and the people prosper. Expectations are high, and rightly so, but with patience, unity and continued support, this government will ensure that every Ghanaian shares in the benefits of the mandate we worked so hard to secure.
“Let us remain united behind President Mahama and continue supporting the government to fulfil its promises, because together we will build a stronger and more prosperous Ghana.”