By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Government has unveiled its most ambitious infrastructure programme in decades, with plans to invest GH¢13.9 billion in 2025 under the “Big Push” initiative, a figure that is expected to rise to GH¢21.2 billion by 2028.
The announcement was made by Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, at the KPMG Infrastructure Roadshow in Accra, where he emphasised that the programme is not a “patch-up job” but an economic reset designed to modernize Ghana’s infrastructure and unlock long-term growth.
“This is not a small nudge or a patch-up job. It’s an economic reset, powered by a US$10 billion Big Push for infrastructure development,” Mr. Ampem stressed.
The GH¢13.9 billion allocation for 2025 will be drawn primarily from petroleum revenues under the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) and mineral royalties. According to the Deputy Minister, the investments will be focused on four priority sectors:
Roads and Transport – to ease congestion, open up rural areas, and connect markets.
Energy and Power Generation – to provide reliable electricity for industries and households.
Digital Infrastructure – to position Ghana for a competitive digital economy.
Urban and Rural Development – to improve housing, water, and sanitation services.
Despite this significant push, Ghana’s infrastructure demands remain massive. Estimates suggest the country needs US$37 billion annually for the next 30 years to meet its development goals, with an additional US$8 billion annually required just to maintain existing infrastructure.
The Deputy Minister highlighted Ghana’s current score of 47 out of 100 on the Global Infrastructure Hub Index, which lags behind the average for lower-middle-income countries, describing it as a clear indicator of chronic underinvestment.
“Our cities need better transport. Our industries require dependable energy. Our farmers need modern irrigation. And our youth demand digital highways for the future,” Mr. Ampem said.
While government is scaling up public investment, Mr. Ampem underscored the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in bridging the funding gap. He revealed that the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) will create Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to attract private capital, blended finance, and international development funding.
“The public purse alone cannot meet these needs. The fiscal space is limited, and the demands are vast. PPPs are not just helpful — they are indispensable,” he noted.
Mr. Ampem Nyarko urged both local and international investors to explore opportunities in Ghana’s infrastructure sectors, describing them as “vast and transformative.”
“The framework is in place. The vision is clear. The government’s commitment under President Mahama’s leadership is unwavering. Your innovation, capital, and expertise are not only welcome, they are crucial,” he said.
He concluded by calling for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, and development partners to make Ghana’s infrastructure transformation sustainable.
The KPMG Infrastructure Roadshow, held under the theme “Unlocking Ghana’s Public-Private Partnership Potential: Bridging Reform and Results,” brought together policymakers, investors, engineers, and business leaders to strategize on accelerating infrastructure delivery.
