Big Push: Gov’t secures US$12.83m AfDB grant for feasibility studies

Ghana has secured a US$12.83 million grant from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to finance feasibility studies for a number of strategic infrastructure and industrial projects under the government’s Big Push programme, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced.

Dr Forson said the grant agreement was signed on Thursday and will support detailed preparatory work for projects aimed at easing traffic congestion, modernising markets and boosting agro-industrial development across the country.

“Earlier today, I signed a US$12.83 million grant agreement with the African Development Bank to support feasibility studies for key projects under the Big Push programme,” the minister stated.

According to him, the projects to benefit include a proposed interchange at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, as well as the redevelopment of major markets at Agbogbloshie, Techiman, Sekondi and Mankessim. The grant will also support preparatory studies for the establishment of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones in the Afram Plains, Nsawam and Builsa.

Dr Forson explained that the funding will be used to undertake comprehensive feasibility studies, covering full engineering designs, detailed costings, and environmental and social impact assessments.

“For all these projects, the funding will support detailed feasibility studies, including full designs, costings, and environmental and social impact assessments, to ensure they are ready for construction,” he said.

He noted that completing the studies upfront is critical to accelerating implementation and avoiding delays once construction begins. “Our aim is to complete these studies early enough to allow construction to begin soon,” the minister added.

Dr Forson expressed appreciation to the African Development Bank for its continued partnership with Ghana, singling out the institution’s Country Manager, Eyerusalem Fasika, for her support.

“I am grateful to the African Development Bank and its Country Manager, Eyerusalem Fasika, for their strong partnership and continued support,” he said.