President Mahama Accelerates 'Big Push' Infrastructure and Industrial Revival During 'Resetting Ghana' Tour

President John Dramani Mahama has intensified his 'Resetting Ghana' tour with a high-profile working visit to the Central Region, focusing on large-scale infrastructure development and industrial revitalization. Central to this tour is the 'Big Push' program, an ambitious initiative aimed at modernizing Ghana's road networks and public services. During his visit, which included stops in Cape Coast, Assin Breku, and Apam, the President emphasized a shift toward direct citizen engagement, bringing government policy discussions directly to traditional leaders and local communities. This approach aims to ensure the administration remains responsive to grassroots needs while highlighting ongoing reforms and policy interventions.

A significant portion of the tour was dedicated to inspecting ongoing road projects, such as the rehabilitation of the Kafodzidzi–Abransa and Apam–Mumford roads. President Mahama issued a firm directive to road engineers and contractors, tying payment approvals to strict adherence to high-quality standards. To bolster contractor confidence and maintain project momentum, he assured that payments for certified works would be processed within approximately two weeks of completion, provided the projects meet stipulated timelines and durability requirements. This 'payment for performance' model is intended to prevent premature road failures and ensure value for money as the government seeks to enhance national connectivity and support trade.

Beyond infrastructure, the President addressed the future of Ghana’s industrial sector, specifically the revival of the Komenda Sugar Factory. He revealed that negotiations are advanced with a prospective investor to restart production, a move that could significantly reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported sugar. While the investor has proposed a ban on refined sugar imports to protect local output, Mahama indicated that any such policy would be phased and strictly dependent on the factory’s demonstrated capacity to meet national demand. These industrial efforts are complemented by the sod-cutting for a '24-Hour Economy' market in Assin Breku, showcasing a broader strategy for job creation and economic modernization through local production.

The tour's themes of self-reliance were further echoed during the President’s address at the Ghana Civil Society Forum, where he called for a new development compact focused on domestic resource mobilization. This shift aims to move Ghana away from external aid dependence toward financing development through local innovation and strengthened state institutions. This national vision extends to the Savannah Region, where the Regional Minister, Salifu Be-Awuribe, confirmed that President Mahama has approved plans for a new university in Damongo and the upgrade of Damongo Hospital to a teaching facility. These initiatives represent a coordinated effort to address regional disparities and build a more resilient, self-sufficient Ghanaian state.