President John Dramani Mahama has promised that revenues from Ghana’s oil and minerals will be used wisely, transparently, and for the benefit of every Ghanaian, as his administration sets its sights on an ambitious $10 billion infrastructure programme known as the ‘Big Push’.
The President made this pledge during a high-level meeting with the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) at the Jubilee House, where he reiterated his vision to turn Ghana’s natural wealth into lasting development across all regions of the country.
A New Era of Infrastructure Investment
Addressing the PIAC delegation led by Chairman Mr Constantine K.M. Kudzedzi, Mahama outlined key details of the ‘Big Push’: a five-year investment plan that will see $2 billion injected annually into Ghana’s critical infrastructure.
“Our goal is simple,” Mahama said. “We want to build roads that connect communities, hospitals that serve the vulnerable, and schools that prepare the next generation to lead.”
Beyond roads and hospitals, a big portion of the fund will support agriculture—especially irrigation, rural infrastructure, and agribusiness. “We’re not just building roads; we’re building resilience—especially in rural Ghana,” the President added.
Natural Resources Must Work for the People
Funding for this bold initiative will come from Ghana’s oil income and mineral royalties. Mahama stressed that Ghana must no longer be a country that extracts resources without transforming lives.
“We’ve seen what happens when natural wealth benefits a few. This time, we’re choosing a different path. The ‘Big Push’ is about using our oil and gold to build something real—something every Ghanaian can see and feel,” he said.
PIAC Applauded for Keeping Government on Its Toes
President Mahama took time to applaud PIAC for its role in promoting accountability in Ghana’s petroleum revenue management. Since oil production began in 2011, PIAC has monitored how funds are spent, regularly publishing independent reports.
“You’ve kept us honest,” Mahama acknowledged. “Your reports have been vital—not just for transparency but for guiding where we improve. Your work gives the Ghanaian people confidence.”
Every Cedi Must Count
The President assured Ghanaians that every disbursement under the ‘Big Push’ will follow strict transparency and accountability rules. He emphasised that the goal is not just to spend—but to deliver measurable results.
“This is not business as usual. Every cedi spent must show up as a school, a bridge, a clinic, or a better life for our farmers and young people. We owe that to every citizen—and PIAC will help us stay on course,” Mahama said.
A Shared Vision for Ghana’s Future
The meeting ended on a hopeful note, with both PIAC and the presidency agreeing to strengthen collaboration to ensure Ghana’s oil and mineral wealth is transformed into tangible benefits for the people.
With the ‘Big Push’ on the horizon, Mahama’s message was clear: this is not just about building roads—it’s about building a stronger, fairer future for Ghana.
