President John Dramani Mahama has stressed that the newly-launched Big Push infrastructure programme is reserved for qualified and capable contractors, not small-scale or unqualified operators.

Speaking at the official launch of the programme at Afienya in Accra on Tuesday, September 16, the president said he had received requests from individuals he described as ‘wheelbarrow contractors’ who wanted to benefit from the initiative.

“There are a few wheelbarrow contractors who have come to me saying, ‘Oh, I hear they are distributing projects under the Big Push. I want one.’ I say, ‘My friend, this is not for wheelbarrow contractors.’ You are my friend, but I won’t give it to you because it is not meant for wheelbarrow contractors,” Mahama said.

Big Push initiative to benefit all 16 regions - President Mahama

He explained that the Big Push is designed to fast-track major national infrastructure and cannot be compromised.

According to him, the government has engaged experienced local and foreign contractors already handling active projects.

Some of these projects, he noted, had been awarded before his administration assumed office but were repackaged under the Big Push to ensure their speedy completion.

The Big Push programme is a flagship government initiative aimed at accelerating infrastructure development and opening up economic opportunities across the country.

Why majority of contractors under Big Push are Ghanaians - Pres Mahama explains

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