The ‘Big Push’ must accelerate development priorities
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama returned to the Jubilee House this year with a renewed mandate and a clear promise to work with Ghanaians to build the country we all desire and deserve.
Anchored on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto promises, this pledge is beginning to take shape and this is evidenced by the President’s 120-day account on his social contract with the citizenry which reflected urgency, purpose and vision.
At the heart of the President’s renewed national drive is the Big Push agenda which is boldly captured in the NDC’s 2024 manifesto. The ‘Big Push’ agenda is a transformative initiative aimed at stimulating growth across critical sectors, ranging from infrastructure development to the delivery of social services.
The Ghanaian Times applauds this bold policy, as we believe it holds the potential to fast-track the country’s socio-economic progress and improve the quality of life for millions.
However, we are compelled to confront a long-standing challenge that continues to hinder our development as a people.
It is unfortunate that despite the constitutional imperative as stipulated in Chapter Six of the 1992 Constitution which mandates our governments to as much as possible, continue and execute projects and programmes started by previous governments, the country continues to witness the frequent abandonment of public projects due to political transitions.
The Directive Principles of State Policy, which emphasizes the State’s commitment to a social order based on freedom, equality, justice, and accountability. The principles also guide the State in ensuring equitable access to public services and facilities for all citizens.
Over the years, numerous initiatives—many of them well-conceived and people-centered—have been stalled or discontinued simply because of a change in government. This pattern is both wasteful and detrimental to national development.
We recall with concern how projects initiated during your first term (2013–2017) were left incomplete by subsequent administrations. Many of these projects could have significantly benefited communities if they had been brought to fruition.
The practice of discarding ongoing initiatives due to political differences must end. Good governance demands continuity, especially where public resources and community welfare are concerned.
Equally troubling is the trend of hurried project rollouts just before elections. The previous administration launched several infrastructure projects, particularly road construction works, during the run-up to the 2024 elections.
These efforts, while necessary, were perceived by many as politically expedient. Unfortunately, following the elections and the change in leadership, several of these projects have been left in limbo.
The impact of these abandoned road projects has been severe. In many communities, roads remain unpaved, covered in laterite with no bitumen or asphalt surfacing.
The result is an increase in dust pollution, which poses serious health risks, including respiratory ailments. With the rainy season underway, these roads are now being eroded, worsening transportation and threatening to return them to a state of disrepair.
We at The Ghanaian Times therefore call on your government to prioritise the resumption and completion of all stalled infrastructure projects— especially roads—in both urban and rural communities.
Roads are not just a means of transportation; they are vital economic lifelines that connect people to markets, healthcare, education, and opportunities.
We firmly believe that the Big Push policy can be the catalyst for addressing this pressing issue, but it must be guided by a commitment to continuity, equity, and the public good.
National development must transcend partisan interests. Let us build on what works, complete what has been started, and invest wisely for the future.
