Ghana Secures $12.83m AfDB Grant to Fund Big Push Infrastructure Feasibility Studies
The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has signed a US$12.83 million grant agreement with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to support feasibility studies for key projects under government’s flagship ‘Big Push’ infrastructure programme.
The grant will finance detailed feasibility and preparatory studies for a proposed interchange at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, the redevelopment of selected major markets, as well as the establishment of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) in targeted areas.
Markets earmarked for redevelopment include Agbogbloshie Market in Accra, Techiman Market in the Bono East Region, Sekondi Market in the Western Region, and Mankessim Market in the Central Region.
In addition, the funding will support preparatory studies for SAPZs to be developed in the Afram Plains, Nsawam, and Builsa areas. The zones are expected to promote agro-processing, enhance value addition, and generate employment opportunities, particularly for the youth.
According to Dr Ato Forson, the grant will be used to undertake comprehensive feasibility work, including full engineering designs, cost estimates, and environmental and social impact assessments. He noted that these preparatory activities are critical to ensuring the projects are construction-ready and can be implemented without delays.
“I am grateful to the African Development Bank and its Country Manager, Eyerusalem Fasika, for their strong partnership and continued support,” the Finance Minister said, adding that government intends to complete the studies early enough to allow construction to begin in the near term.
The agreement underscores government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure development under the ‘Big Push’ programme, which seeks to stimulate economic growth, improve urban mobility, modernise markets, and strengthen Ghana’s agro-industrial base through strategic, large-scale investments.
