By: Nadia Ntiamoah
President John Dramani Mahama has confirmed that funds for his administration’s flagship $10 billion “Big Push” infrastructure programme are now available, with petroleum revenues and mineral royalties set to be disbursed transparently over the next five years.
The President made this declaration when he hosted a delegation from the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) at the Jubilee House on Friday, July 11, 2025.
The PIAC delegation, led by Chairman Constantine K.M. Kudzedzi, paid a courtesy call to congratulate Mahama on his recent election victory and discuss the future direction of Ghana’s oil revenue management.
Five-Year Infrastructure Vision
The “Big Push” forms a central part of Mahama’s second-term development agenda and is set to inject $2 billion annually into infrastructure development across all 16 regions.
According to the President, the focus areas will include roads and bridges, public health infrastructure, educational facilities, irrigation systems, and farmer support centres.
“The Big Push is not just about roads and buildings. It’s about transforming lives and livelihoods—about connecting rural communities, improving healthcare, and supporting agriculture to feed our economy,” Mahama stated during the meeting.
Oil and Minerals Cash
Crucially, John Mahama assured that funding for the “Big Push” will come directly from Ghana’s natural resource revenues.
He emphasized that petroleum revenues and mineral royalties will be used responsibly, without incurring excessive public debt.
“Our natural resources must work for the people. The oil money will be disbursed efficiently and transparently, in line with existing public finance laws and oversight structures,” he stressed.
The President also gave firm assurances that his government would comply with the Petroleum Revenue Management Act and ensure full disclosure of all financial transactions related to the Big Push.
Disbursements, he said, would be published periodically to allow public scrutiny.
President Mahama took time to commend the Public Interest and Accountability Committee for its work over the years in monitoring the use of Ghana’s petroleum revenue.
He described PIAC as a global model of independent oversight and transparency.
“Ghana is fortunate to have a body like PIAC. You have been a watchdog and a partner in ensuring accountability. We will work closely with you to make sure every pesewa from the Big Push is used for its intended purpose,” he told the delegation.
PIAC, for its part, pledged its continued commitment to hold government accountable while welcoming Mahama’s openness to work with independent institutions in managing oil revenues.
From Promise to Action
The Big Push initiative was a flagship promise of the NDC’s 2024 campaign, aimed at reversing years of stalled infrastructure development and reducing regional inequalities.
According to sources at the Ministry of Finance and the Infrastructure Secretariat, initial disbursements are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with priority projects already selected in transportation, agriculture, and education.
Stakeholder Watchdogs Alert
While the announcement has been welcomed by many, it has also sparked calls from civil society and economic think tanks for increased vigilance in how the funds will be managed.
Others have also called for the government to publish a full list of projects and timelines, to ensure citizens can track progress and hold officials accountable.
