Concerns are emerging over the financial sustainability of Ghana’s flagship Big Push Agenda, as experts warn that over-reliance on oil revenues and mineral royalties may leave the $10 billion infrastructure drive exposed to funding shortfalls.
The Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE) has urged the government to urgently diversify its financing mix if it intends to deliver on the ambitious programme, which includes 12 major road projects flagged as priority under the Ministry of Roads and Highways.
Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of CEMSE, told the media in an interview that the programme risks stalling unless alternative funding sources are clearly identified.
“Our concern is for the government to clearly identify alternative funding sources for the effective implementation of these projects. It should not remain a political slogan or discussion but be backed by practical measures that ensure Ghana’s infrastructure is fully developed to promote equitable growth across the country,” Nsiah said.
He added that government must move beyond dependence on volatile extractive revenues.
“We see a significant risk in fully implementing this policy without specifying concrete alternative mechanisms to mobilize the additional $1 billion needed to complement the revenue expected from oil and mineral royalties.” He stressed.
The Big Push is one of President John Dramani Mahama’s hallmark economic growth strategies, designed to expand road networks, improve logistics, and strengthen connectivity nationwide. Roads Minister Kwame Agbodza has highlighted the initiative as central to unlocking trade, creating jobs, and accelerating regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
On April 8, 2025, the Minister met with Franz R. Dress-Cross, the World Bank’s Regional Director for Infrastructure, to explore potential support for Ghana’s road sector. While the government is banking on partnerships with multilateral institutions, analysts argue that tapping private capital, public–private partnerships, and infrastructure bonds could provide the long-term stability needed.
