Mahama's 'Big Push' numbers do not add up -INSTEPR
John Dramani Mahama's 'Big Push' infrastructure initiative is being questioned by the Institute for Energy Policies and Research (INSTEPR), who say the government's revenue figures make the four-year timeline for funding the program "virtually impossible, without resorting to debt." Kwadwo Poku, Director of INSTEPR, stated that "the numbers do not add up, from the revenue data available to us, the only way to pay for the Big Push is through debt, if all contractors are to be paid for work done at the end of 2027."
The controversy stems from a meeting on July 12, 2025 where President Mahama identified petroleum revenue and mineral royalties as the primary funding sources. INSTEPR's data shows total petroleum revenue from 2011 to date is US$11.58 billion. Total petroleum revenue for 2025 was US$770.27 million, but only US$433.29 million can be used for infrastructure. Mineral royalties received by MIIF in 2025 were GHc5.43 billion, equivalent to approximately US$517.14 million, with an effective contribution to the Big Push of US$413.7 million. Combined, these streams generated US$846.9 million in 2025. The Roads Minister confirmed over US$7 billion worth of contracts were issued through single sourced procurement, with completion targeted for the end of 2027.
Kwadwo Poku is asking the government to explain how the GHc46 billion allocated across the 2025 and 2026 budgets, equivalent to approximately US$4.4 billion, is being
Quick Summary
INSTEPR is questioning the financial feasibility of President Mahama's 'Big Push' infrastructure initiative. The institution suggests the government's revenue figures may not align with the program's ambitious four-year timeline - raising questions about how it will be funded.
Summary - read the full story for complete context.
Image: The Chronicle
GhanaFront aggregates news from trusted sources. Click to read the original article.
Keywords
Explore related tagsMore from The Chronicle
Related Stories
More from Politics
Minister climaxes Easter with call for national sacrifice, fervent prayers
The Minister calls for national sacrifice and fervent prayers - but what prompted this?
3h ago•3 min read
Editorial: The Politicians Who Want The OSP Dead Have Something To Hide
Why are some Ghanaian politicians so eager to abolish the very office created to hold them accountable?
3h ago•4 min read
Mahama's push for visa-free Africa reflects Nkrumah's Pan-African vision - Rashid Tanko-Computer
An NDC Deputy Director draws parallels between President Mahama's policies and Nkrumah's vision - but why now?
15h ago•2 min read
President Mahama to attend One Health Summit in France, hold bilateral talks with Macron
President Mahama heads to France- but what crucial discussions await regarding global health and Ghana-France relations?
20h ago•2 min read
