Ghana is intensifying efforts to address its growing infrastructure deficit, a challenge estimated at $37 billion annually over the next three decades. At the heart of this strategy is the promise of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), which government leaders now see as essential for sustainable infrastructure growth.
Ghana’s Infrastructure Challenge
Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, revealed that traditional financing alone is no longer enough to meet the country’s infrastructure needs. “The public purse alone cannot do this. The fiscal space is tight. The demands are huge. The journey is long. PPPs are therefore not just desirable, they are indispensable,” he said.
Citing the World Bank-supported Global Infrastructure Hub, Mr. Ampem noted that Ghana scores 47 out of 100 in infrastructure quality ten points below the average for lower-middle-income countries (LMICs).
Despite investing about 5% of GDP in infrastructure, Ghana falls short of the LMIC average of 5.4%, leaving a financing gap equivalent to 2.8% of GDP significantly higher than the 1.7% average for its peers.
“These figures confirm what citizens feel daily,” Mr. Ampem explained. “City residents cry for better transport systems, industries require reliable and affordable energy, farmers need irrigation, and young people demand the digital highways of tomorrow.”
The Big Push Initiative: A Strategic Response
To address the gap, the government has reallocated significant petroleum revenues and mineral royalties under the Big Push Initiative, a major program to finance large-scale infrastructure.
The plan calls for GH¢13.9 billion in initial investment, rising to GH¢21.2 billion by 2028. This will increase capital expenditure by 0.5% of GDP, even as the administration maintains fiscal discipline.
“This is not just a peppering over the cracks. It is an economic reset backed by a US$10 billion Big Push for infrastructure development,” Mr. Ampem stated.
Strengthening Oversight for Infrastructure Delivery
Mr. Ampem outlined reforms to Ghana’s Public Financial Management (PFM) system to ensure infrastructure projects deliver value for money.
An audit by the Ministry of Roads and Highways revealed arrears of GH¢113 million in 2018 had ballooned to GH¢665 million in interest by 2025 due to delays and weak controls. “Clearly, we were paying more in interest than in actual road construction. This cannot continue,” he said.
Key reforms include:
- Amending the Public Procurement Act to require approved budgetary allocations before contract commencement.
- Creating a PFM Compliance Division to enforce commitment controls and procurement regulations.
PPPs: Unlocking Potential and Driving Transformation
While reforms strengthen oversight, Mr. Ampem stressed that public funds alone cannot meet Ghana’s infrastructure needs. PPPs offer a way to bring in private sector capital, expertise, and efficiency to complement government resources.
Benefits of PPPs include:
- Improved service delivery and quality
- Better risk distribution between public and private sectors
- Faster project implementation
- Greater innovation in infrastructure solutions
Challenges include low PPP awareness, capacity gaps in project structuring, and regulatory bottlenecks issues the government is committed to addressing to attract private investment.
Opportunities for Investors
Mr. Ampem called on both local and international investors to explore opportunities in sectors such as:
- Energy
- Transport
- Digital infrastructure
- Urban development
“The framework is set. The vision is clear. The resolve for further PPP reform is strong,” he said. “Your technical expertise, innovation, and capital are not just welcome; they are essential.”
He concluded with an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” For Ghana’s infrastructure transformation, collective action and strong private sector participation are essential.