By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Three Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) comprising BudgIT Ghana, the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), and Revenue Mobilisation Africa (RMA) have called on the government to provide full disclosure on the GH¢30 billion Big Push Infrastructure Programme. They insist that, citizens must have access to details on how public funds are being allocated and utilised.
The three CSOs, in a joint statement, are demanding the publication of project-level information, including project locations, allocations, contract awards, procurement methods, financing sources, implementation timelines, and progress updates.
According to the group of CSOs, while infrastructure programmes have the potential to boost economic growth, enhance productivity and create jobs, the absence of comprehensive information creates risks around accountability and possible misuse of public resources.
The group noted that, the Big Push Programme outlined in the 2026 National Budget, is expected to support major infrastructure investments, including road development, bridges, ports and logistics corridors.
The government has indicated that, the initiative was designed based on economic viability, regional balance and alignment with the 24-Hour Economy programme.
According to the CSOs, Parliament has approved multi-year commitments for 33 road projects under the programme, with the majority expected to be completed by mid-2027.
They noted that information from the Ministry of Roads and Highways indicates that work has commenced on several projects, with 50 projects covering 1,144 kilometres reportedly underway, while 77 road projects are being executed, including 54 new awards under the Big Push Programme and 23 ongoing projects.
However, the organisations argued that available information remains insufficient, particularly regarding how projects were prioritised, how contractors were selected, procurement processes used, contract execution status, and the overall financing structure of the programme.
The CSOs are of the view that transparency must accompany the government’s infrastructure commitments.
“The Big Push Programme does have the potential for real development in Ghana, but transparency cannot be replaced with promises. Citizens are entitled to know what has been approved, how much is going to each project, and what the timelines are; otherwise, there is no accountability and no way for citizens to know that public funds are being spent as intended,” a portion of the statement read.
They cited the Accra-Kumasi Expressway and the Ekye Amanfrom-Adawso Bridge as some of the transformational projects under the agenda. However, the CSOs raised concerns about the lack of a comprehensive framework outlining all projects under the programme, including project titles, locations, budgets, financing sources, implementation milestones and expected completion dates.
They expressed concerns over accountability in the implementation process, citing Ghana’s history of challenges with capital expenditure execution and stressing the need for clear monitoring mechanisms from budget approval through procurement, implementation and completion.
They further highlighted concerns over the use of funds from the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) and other extractive sector revenues for the programme, calling for greater clarity on the financing arrangements.
They are therefore urging the government to establish a publicly accessible and regularly updated Big Push disclosure portal containing details of all projects under the initiative.
The organisations also want the government to publish project-specific financial information, procurement documents, implementation frameworks, and provide quarterly reports to Parliament and the public on capital expenditure execution under the programme.
They emphasised that fiscal transparency is essential to ensuring that the Big Push Programme delivers value for money and equitable development outcomes for Ghanaians.