Farmers and traders in Ghana’s north-western corridor are poised to receive a major boost after President John Dramani Mahama formally cut the sod to launch construction of the 195-kilometre Wenchi–Bole–Sawla–Wa Road under the government’s flagship “Big Push” initiative.

The road links the Bono, Savannah and Upper West Regions, serving as a critical economic corridor for agribusiness. The route carries more than 60 % of agro-freight for the region – including maize, yams, millet and cashew – and connects through to the Burkina Faso border.

Under the project plan, some 1,800 direct jobs and approximately 4,500 indirect jobs are expected during construction. Once completed within 24 months, the authorities say travel time along the stretch will be cut from around 6 hours to under 3 hours, vehicle operating costs will fall by about 30 % and accident rates may be reduced by 45 %.

The 195 km segment is divided into seven concurrent lots to accelerate delivery. Works will include reconstructing the pavement to asphaltic surfacing and installing road-safety features. In addition, town roads in Bamboi, Banda Nkwanta and Tinga will be improved.

“Our focus now is on roads that connect regional and district capitals – this is just the beginning, not the end,” President Mahama said in his remarks. He added: “Ghanaians will have the best roads in West Africa within 24 months of starting the Big Push.” He emphasised his government will “not tolerate delays or shoddy work. We demand the highest standards and quality.”

What is the Big Push Initiative?

The Big Push is an accelerated national infrastructure-development programme launched by the government. It aims to roll out an estimated US$10 billion plan to drive job creation and complete major roads, bridges, water-supply systems, rail lines and other infrastructure across Ghana.

Key road-corridor components of the Big Push include improvements in the Western Corridor, Eastern Corridor and other inter-regional highways.

The initiative also pledges to benefit all 16 regions of Ghana, with priority given to roads connecting regional capitals and major economic hubs.

This corridor has long been identified as vital for the movement of agricultural produce from the middle belt through to the north and beyond. President Mahama noted that the route had deteriorated significantly, despite carrying more than 2,000 vehicles and 4,000 tonnes of goods daily making the rehabilitation a “critical step” in unlocking trade, reducing transport costs and enhancing safety.

The government says the works will proceed in a phased but intensive manner. With the road divided into seven lots and construction set to proceed concurrently, the timeline of 24 months is ambitious but central to the Big Push promise.

President Mahama further announced that contractors would be required to prioritise local labour and sourcing of goods to ensure that the communities along Bamboi, Banda Nkwanta, Tinga, Bole and Sawla benefit directly from the project.

As a further illustration of the broader initiative, earlier this year the government began groundwork for the dualisation of the Takoradi–Cape Coast highway under the Big Push.

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