President John Dramani Mahama is making it clear: his government’s ambitious “Big Push” infrastructure agenda is no free-for-all.

At the official launch of the program Tuesday in Afienya, just outside Accra, Mahama took a firm stance against what he described as “wheelbarrow contractors” — small-scale, unqualified individuals seeking to benefit from the initiative.

“There are a few wheelbarrow contractors who have come to me saying, ‘Oh, I hear they are distributing projects under the Big Push. I want one,’” Mahama told attendees. “I say, ‘My friend, this is not for wheelbarrow contractors.’ You are my friend, but I won’t give it to you.”

The Big Push — a multi-billion-cedi plan — is the centerpiece of Mahama’s broader effort to fast-track national development. With a focus on completing major roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities, the initiative promises to transform Ghana’s infrastructure landscape and stimulate long-term economic growth.

But Mahama insists that only experienced, technically capable contractors — both local and international — will be awarded contracts. Many of the projects, he said, had already been in progress before his administration but have now been absorbed into the Big Push framework to ensure faster delivery.

In his remarks, Mr.Mahama underscored that political favoritism will play no role in the selection process, stating that the scale and complexity of the work demand firms with serious capacity — not political connections.

The message is clear: the Big Push is about impact, not handouts.

As Ghana looks to boost infrastructure and investor confidence, Mahama is betting that a no-nonsense approach to project delivery will pay off — and that only the most qualified will be trusted to build the country’s future.

Source:TheDotNews