Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has inspected the HAO XIN Quarry Annex as preparations advance towards the commencement of President Mahama’s Inner City Big Push Initiative, a neighbourhood development programme aimed at addressing infrastructure deficits and improving living conditions in urban communities.
The inspection by the Bawku Central MP forms part of the government’s preparations for the initiative, which is expected to support the upgrading of inner-city infrastructure.
Hon. Mahama Ayariga also disclosed that plans are underway to redevelop Agbogbloshie, with the proposed intervention intended to improve infrastructure, enhance residents’ living conditions and create a more organised and sustainable urban environment.
“Our focus remains on promoting inclusive urban development that delivers meaningful improvements in the lives of our people.”
Hon Mahama Ayariga, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs
Hon. Mahama Ayariga’s visit to the HAO XIN Quarry Annex comes as the government advances preparations for the Inner City Big Push Initiative, which seeks to improve infrastructure in older and rapidly growing urban neighbourhoods.
The minister’s engagement focused on assessing ongoing preparatory work and supporting efforts towards the programme’s implementation. Although the specific role of the quarry in the initiative has not been detailed, the visit signals attention to the preparatory activities required ahead of the planned development works.
The programme is intended to address longstanding infrastructure gaps that affect movement, sanitation and the general quality of life in inner-city communities.
Inner-City Big Push Targets Essential Infrastructure
The initiative, directed by President John Dramani Mahama and unveiled by Hon Mahama Ayariga, is designed to improve neighbourhood infrastructure through targeted interventions.
The proposed upgrades include paved roads and streets, walkways, improved drainage systems, street lighting and greener public spaces. These interventions are intended to make neighbourhoods more accessible, organised and suitable for residents and businesses.
By concentrating on local infrastructure needs, the programme seeks to address deficiencies within established communities rather than limiting development efforts to new urban areas.
Agbogbloshie Redevelopment Forms Part of the Plans
The planned redevelopment of Agbogbloshie is among the areas expected to benefit from the initiative. The government intends to improve the area’s infrastructure and living conditions while creating a more organised and sustainable urban environment.
Hon. Mahama Ayariga’s remarks position the redevelopment within a broader commitment to inclusive urban development, with attention to improvements that directly affect communities.
However, details of the proposed redevelopment, including its implementation timeline, specific construction components, and projected cost, have not been disclosed in the information provided.
Funding Model Explores Public and Private Sector Participation
The Inner City Big Push is expected to draw on a financing approach involving government support, property-related revenue and private sector participation.
Proposals under consideration include using reconfigured property rates and betterment charges to support neighbourhood infrastructure. The model is also expected to explore partnerships with businesses such as banks, manufacturers, construction companies and logistics providers.
Under the proposed arrangement, participating businesses could support the reconstruction or maintenance of streets in exchange for recognition or advertising opportunities.
Community and landowner contributions have also been considered as possible sources of funding for local infrastructure improvements. These proposals are intended to create a more sustainable financing structure, although the precise arrangements and implementation details remain to be established.
Initiative Forms Part of Wider Big Push Programme
The Inner City Big Push sits within the government’s broader infrastructure agenda, which includes a national Big Push plan valued at US$10 billion. The wider programme covers major infrastructure interventions, including highway dualisation and improved regional economic connections, alongside efforts to attract private sector investment
While the national programme focuses on large-scale infrastructure, the inner-city initiative directs attention to neighbourhood-level improvements. Its emphasis on roads, drainage, lighting and public spaces is intended to address infrastructure challenges that affect residents in densely populated urban communities.
The planned Agbogbloshie redevelopment provides a specific focus for these ambitions, although the scale and timing of the proposed works are yet to be outlined.
Hon. Ayariga’s inspection of the HAO XIN Quarry Annex forms part of the preparatory process ahead of the initiative’s commencement. The government’s stated objective is to use targeted urban infrastructure improvements to support more inclusive and sustainable communities.
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