Keep the Tears Coming – Government Fires Back at NPP Over Roads Criticism

The war of words over Ghana’s road projects has taken a new turn, with the government hitting back at critics who have questioned its “Big Push” program. In a strongly worded response shared on social media, the government defended its record, stating that for the first time, all road projects under the Big Push are being funded without borrowing or loans, and all contractors have been paid. The statement appears to be a direct reply to recent comments made by former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, who suggested the Roads Minister might be “busy for nothing.”

The government’s response did not hold back, accusing the previous NPP administration of failing to deliver on its own promises. It reminded Ghanaians that the NPP declared a “Year of Roads” but allegedly ended up only patching roads in the lead-up to elections. The statement sarcastically noted that if the government were in the NPP’s shoes, it would also speak with “tears in its eyes.” This sharp comeback shows that the government is not willing to accept criticism without pointing out what it sees as the failures of the past government.

At the heart of the government’s defense is the claim that the Big Push is being funded without borrowing or loans. This is significant because it addresses concerns about the country’s debt levels and the cost of borrowing. According to the government, all contractors working on Big Push road projects have been paid, which should mean that work is progressing without the delays that often come from unpaid bills. This is a direct contrast to the NPP’s record, which the government claims was marked by unfulfilled promises and last-minute road patching before elections.

The statement also took a swipe at the NPP’s legacy projects, particularly the National Cathedral. It warned that when the roads are being commissioned in 2027, the NPP will need “a huge hole like the National Cathedral to fill them”—a reference to the controversial and unfinished cathedral project that has been criticized for its cost and lack of progress. The government is essentially saying that while the NPP was busy with failed projects, the NDC is focused on delivering real infrastructure that Ghanaians can see and use.

This exchange highlights the intense political rivalry between the government and the opposition over who has the better record on infrastructure. For ordinary Ghanaians, the debate ultimately comes down to one thing: are the roads being built, and are they being built well? The government is confident that by 2027, the results will speak for themselves. The NPP, on the other hand, continues to question the government’s approach. As the back-and-forth continues, Ghanaians will be watching closely to see which side delivers on its promises.