By: Samuel Ayammah
The Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, has expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of work on feeder road projects being executed under the government’s Big Push programme in the Nkoranza North District during an inspection tour.
According to him, the visit forms part of his mandate as Regional Minister to monitor all government projects across the region, noting that the roads under construction are among the key Big Push projects being executed in Bono East.
“I am impressed with both the pace and quality of work executed so far by the contractors,” he said.
The Minister disclosed that following a complaint received about the quality of U-drains installed on one of the Big Push stretches, he has directed the regional engineer to conduct a durability test and submit a report within one week for the next line of action to be determined.
He described the stretch of Big Push roads as quite long but commended the contractors for performing creditably, pointing out that they are on site with adequate machinery and an encouraging workforce. He said such commitment is expected of all contractors working on Big Push projects in the region and emphasized that speed is crucial.
“Speed of work is crucial to ensure that beneficiary communities begin to enjoy the Big Push roads on time,” he stressed.
Mr. Antwi said the improved road network under the Big Push will enhance access to schools and health facilities and boost the regional economy.
“This region is centrally located in Ghana with vibrant economic activities. When completed, these Big Push roads will significantly boost the economy and improve livelihoods,” he stated.
He added that the Big Push projects are also creating employment for residents, as contractors are engaging local people.
“The contractors cannot import their entire labour force from Accra or Kumasi. They are engaging our local people and that is creating jobs under the Big Push,” he said.
On tourism and agriculture, he noted that Nkoranza North hosts the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary and that the Big Push road network will attract tourists and ease transportation of farm produce.
According to the status update for Nkoranza North only as at September 2026 from the Bono East Feeder Roads Department, the Big Push projects are funded from the Consolidated Fund. They were awarded on 20th November 2025, commenced on 2nd March 2026 with an intended completion date of 2nd March 2028.
Contract time spent is about 29 percent for all three Big Push roads, while physical completion is well ahead of schedule. Works include clearing, formation and ditching, widening of narrow sections, construction of culverts and concrete U-drains, trap-drains, raising of low-lying sections, laying of sub-base and base, sealing works and provision of road furniture.
The Big Push projects are the 16 kilometre Bono Manso-Kranka-Pinhini road being executed by Ghamudar Development Limited with 56 percent complete, the 14.7 kilometre Tankor-Fiema-Buabeng-Busunua road with 46.8 percent complete officially and over 50 percent on the field, and the 26 kilometre Bodom-Senya-Bonte-Busunua road by Sandwell Sanders Limited with 43.6 percent complete. All form part of the 74 kilometre Nkoranza North network under the Big Push programme.
Bono East Regional Manager of Feeder Roads, Stephen Quiano.
The Bono East Regional Manager of Feeder Roads, Stephen Quiano, outlined the scope of works for the ongoing Big Push feeder road upgrading projects and expressed satisfaction with progress.
He said the Big Push project involves upgrading works including clearing, formation, filling and raising of low-lying sections, as well as paving works comprising the laying of sub-base and base.
“The road will receive double surface dressing under the Big Push, which will involve the application of a primer followed by a first seal and a second seal, making three layers of bitumen,” he explained.
He added that once the bituminous works are completed, road furniture including line markings and signage will be installed.
“The contractor on this Big Push stretch has performed exceptionally well. While progress should have been around 29 percent at this stage, the contractor has achieved 56 percent. This is fantastic performance and we anticipate bituminous surfacing before the end of the year,” he said.
DCE for Nkoranza North, Patrick Effah.
The District Chief Executive for Nkoranza North, Patrick Effah, expressed appreciation to the President for fulfilling his promise to provide accessible roads for the people of the district through the Big Push.
He said with the National Democratic Congress in power, Nkoranza North is benefiting from 74 kilometres of roads under the government’s Big Push programme.
“This Big Push project is of great importance as it will boost economic activities and improve connectivity between various communities. Farm produce will now have easy access to market centres,” he said.
He commended the Big Push contractors for their dedication and the Regional Minister for his consistent monitoring visits of Big Push projects.
“We thank the contractors for their dedication and constant presence on site. We also thank the Regional Minister for his consistent monitoring of the Big Push roads,” he added.
Site Engineer for Sandwell Construction Company, Peter Buckson.
Site Engineer for Sandwell Construction Company, Peter Buckson, gave an update on the progress of Big Push road construction works in the Nkoranza North District.
He said work on the Big Push roads is currently at the base level, with about 20 kilometres left to complete the 80 kilometres his company is expected to execute.
“We have about 14 kilometres of sub-base works outstanding on the Big Push roads, while preparations for sealing works have been completed. Materials including bitumen and pre-coated aggregates are ready, but the onset of rains has forced a temporary pause,” he said.
He disclosed that his company is handling about 30 kilometres out of the total 80 kilometres earmarked for construction under the Big Push in the area, with about 60 to 70 percent of the overall work completed so far.
