Mahama assures timely payments for Big Push contractors, unveils new expressway plan

President John Mahama announced that contractors in the Big Push programme will be paid within two weeks. This applies after they submit their payment certificates.

He spoke during his Thank You Tour in the Upper West Region. The government has set aside funds to prevent payment delays. This will help start critical projects quickly.

"No contractor will say he hasn't been paid," the President assured. He added, "Work will begin very soon." In a few months, contractors will be on site because funding is available. This year, 14 billion Ghana cedis is allocated for the Big Push initiative.

The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has made firm commitments. He assured that all contractors would receive 15% mobilization funds to start work. Any contractor who submits a payment certificate will be paid within two weeks.

President Mahama emphasized this move aims to eliminate project delays and ensure rapid development. "We want to see work continuing as soon as contracts are awarded," he stated.

He also mentioned that Cabinet will soon approve key road projects under the Big Push initiative. These include dualizing major highways and building a new expressway between Accra and Kumasi. This new route aims to reduce travel time to just two and a half hours.

"Cabinet will approve priority projects under the Big Push programme," he said. Many of these projects will focus on roads like Accra-Kumasi, Accra-Takoradi, and Accra-Aflao.

Additionally, the President outlined plans for bridge rehabilitation works. They will address major bridges such as Dambai Bridge and Ekye-Amanfrom Bridge. Rehabilitation efforts will also include Buipe Bridge, Daboya Bridge, and Yapei Bridges.