The government has earmarked more than GH¢63bn for major road and education programmes in its 2026 budget, signalling one of its most ambitious infrastructure and social investment drives in recent years.
However, journalists and civil society groups are calling for clearer implementation plans, warning that the lack of detailed timelines could undermine accountability and delivery.
At a budget review workshop organised by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), participants welcomed the scale of the investment but questioned the absence of precise schedules for when projects would begin and be completed.
‘Big Push’ for roads
A central feature of the budget is the GH¢30.5bn “Big Push” initiative, aimed at overhauling Ghana’s road network through new construction, rehabilitation and maintenance.
Government figures show several high-profile projects are already under way. The Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakom Road is reported to be 95% complete and is expected to strengthen trade links with Burkina Faso. The dualisation of the Accra–Kumasi Motorway has reached 64%, while work is continuing on key transport routes, including the Takoradi–Agona Nkwanta–Elubo road and the Eastern Corridor network.
The government also plans to construct 50 bridges nationwide, including the Dikpe Bridge over the Tano River, the Volivo Bridge across the Volta Lake and the Adawso–Ekye Amanfrom Bridge, which is expected to improve access to farming areas in the Afram Plains.
Routine maintenance forms a major part of the programme, with more than 21,000 km of roads scheduled for repairs and a further 25,000 km targeted for works during 2026.
Officials say many contractors are already on site, and most projects are expected to be completed by mid-2027. However, ACEP says budgets without firm timelines make it difficult for the public to track progress and hold authorities to account.
Education spending rises
Education is the single largest sector allocation in the budget, rising by 18% from GH¢31bn in 2025 to GH¢33.3bn in 2026.
The funding will support the construction of 200 junior high schools, 200 primary schools, 200 kindergartens and 400 teachers’ bungalows, along with sanitation facilities in underserved communities.
The government also plans a curriculum overhaul that introduces practical subjects such as artificial intelligence, robotics and electronics from early education.
Officials say the reforms are intended to equip students with skills needed for modern workplaces, but analysts warn that ambitious targets will require stronger coordination and reliable funding streams.
Accountability concerns
While funding levels have been widely praised, participants at the ACEP workshop warned that unclear delivery frameworks could weaken public confidence.
They say the lack of precise schedules, especially for large infrastructure schemes, risks delays and cost overruns — problems that have affected government projects in the past.
Civil society groups are urging the government to publish detailed implementation plans and funding timelines to improve transparency and ensure value for money.
For many observers, the test will be whether Ghana can turn large budget figures into completed roads and functioning classrooms.
Files: gbcghanaonline.com/Seraphine Nyuiemedi
