The air crackled with anticipation as former President John Dramani Mahama addressed a crowd in the Upper West Region during his Thank You Tour. The central message: Ghana’s economy is showing nascent signs of recovery, buoyed by a wave of decisive policy reforms and a renewed commitment to infrastructure development. The unveiling of the ambitious Big Push Programme, a cornerstone of this vision, promises to reshape the nation’s landscape. These Ghana economy reforms, Mahama asserted, are paving the way for sustainable growth and a brighter future.

Mahama’s statements signal a pivotal moment. His administration is placing significant emphasis on both fiscal discipline and strategic investments, aiming to steer Ghana towards a path of economic stability and long-term prosperity. It’s a narrative of transformation, driven by carefully calibrated policies and large-scale projects intended to touch every corner of the nation.

According to Mahama, the initial signs of economic recovery are attributable to the policy reforms and fiscal discipline his administration has initiated. “Ghana’s economy is beginning to show signs of recovery, thanks to decisive policy reforms and fiscal discipline initiated by his administration,” he stated. He pointed to a stabilizing cedi and a gradual easing of the cost of living as early indicators that these measures are beginning to bear fruit. The 2024 budget, he emphasized, marked a turning point, with a deliberate focus on curtailing expenditure and redirecting savings into priority programs – a direct fulfillment of promises made.

President Mahama also lauded the collaborative spirit within his economic management team. “Since taking over the reins of government, our focus has been on stabilising the economy. We therefore presented to Parliament in March this year a budget aimed at severely trimming expenditure and channelling the saved revenue into priority programmes, as promised in our manifesto.” He specifically commended the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, highlighting their teamwork and coordination as crucial elements in achieving this economic turnaround. “I wish to commend the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, along with their teams, for the coordination they are displaying in this economic turnaround,” he added.

Beyond fiscal adjustments, infrastructure development stands as a central pillar of Mahama’s vision for Ghana’s future. The Big Push Infrastructure Programme, soon to receive cabinet approval for its priority projects, promises a significant overhaul of the nation’s infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on the road sector. “Cabinet will soon approve priority projects under the Big Push Infrastructure Programme. Understandably, a significant number of these will be in the road sector,” Mahama declared.

Among the key road projects slated for implementation are the dualization of major highways, including the Accra-Kumasi, Accra-Takoradi, and Accra-Aflao routes. Additionally, major bridge construction and rehabilitation efforts are planned for critical infrastructure such as the Dambai Bridge, Echia-Mangfrum Bridge, and the Bupe, Daboya, and Yape Bridges. These projects are designed to improve connectivity, reduce travel times, and facilitate trade and commerce across the country.

One project that captured particular attention is the planned Accra-Kumasi Expressway, a new artery designed to dramatically reduce travel time between Ghana’s two largest cities. “We’re also designing a new expressway between Accra and Kumasi, which will reduce the travel time between Ghana’s two largest cities to about two and a half hours,” Mahama explained, underscoring the transformative potential of this project.

President Mahama addressed specific concerns regarding the Upper West Region’s road network, a pressing issue identified during his campaign. He highlighted the prioritization of the Watumu–Bolgatanga Trunk Road under the Big Push initiative. “During the campaign, we travelled on the terrible road network that has become characteristic of the Upper West Region. In this region, under the Big Push, we are prioritising the Watumu–Bolgatanga Trunk Road.” This commitment reflects a broader vision of inclusive development, aimed at addressing historical neglect and unlocking the potential of underserved regions.

The NDC’s commitment to inclusive development extends beyond infrastructure projects. It is rooted in a vision of transformative change that reaches every corner of Ghana, with a particular focus on regions like the Upper West that have historically lagged behind. “We are determined, under the guidance of the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, to bring transformational change to every corner of Ghana—and especially to regions like the Upper West Region that have long been underdeveloped despite their huge potential,” Mahama affirmed.

President Mahama’s message in the Upper West Region painted a picture of a nation on the cusp of economic resurgence, driven by carefully calibrated policy reforms, strategic infrastructure investments, and a commitment to inclusive development. The focus on Ghana economy reforms, coupled with transformative projects like the Big Push, signals a bold new chapter in Ghana’s development trajectory. These initiatives promise to unlock the nation’s potential and pave the way for a more prosperous and equitable future for all Ghanaians.