Ghana Dumps Foreign Loans for Road Projects as Agbodza Turns to Big Push Funding

The Minister of Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Agbodza, has revealed plans by the government to move the financing of selected road projects previously dependent on foreign loans into the government’s flagship Big Push programme.

The proposed shift is expected to allow the government to finance the affected road projects using domestic resources rather than continuing to depend on loans from foreign countries, which have experienced delays in securing the necessary approvals and disbursements.

Speaking on the development, Hon. Agbodza explained that the prolonged process involved in obtaining external financing has affected the implementation of some road projects, making it necessary for the government to reconsider its funding arrangements.

According to him, Ghana is now in a position to mobilise its own resources to undertake some of these projects under the Big Push initiative.

The minister’s revelation signals a possible change in the government’s approach to infrastructure financing, particularly at a time when concerns over public debt, borrowing costs and delays in project execution remain important issues in national economic discussions.

Under the proposed arrangement, selected projects that were initially expected to receive funding through foreign loans would be incorporated into the Big Push programme, giving the government greater control over their financing and implementation.

The move could also reduce the uncertainty associated with waiting for external financing arrangements to be concluded before contractors can make meaningful progress on their assigned projects.

For communities expecting improved road infrastructure, the announcement could represent an important development, especially where delayed projects have affected transportation, commercial activities and access to essential services.

However, the success of the proposed funding shift will depend largely on the government’s ability to make adequate financial allocations, ensure timely payments to contractors and maintain effective supervision of ongoing construction works.

The Big Push programme has been positioned as a major component of the government’s infrastructure development agenda, with road construction and rehabilitation forming an important part of its objectives.

Hon. Agbodza’s latest announcement therefore places renewed attention on the government’s determination to use domestic resources to accelerate infrastructure delivery.

The key test will be whether the new financing arrangement can translate into faster project execution, improved roads and tangible benefits for communities across the country.

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