Joseph Nelson urges cement industry players to Join government implement 'Big Push Agenda'

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson has acknowledged the contribution and growing competitiveness of the cement industry in Ghana.

According to him, the industry, with its present growth, has the potential of actualizing the ambitious infrastructure development programme of the government to reposition the country.

He said the competitive cement industry, has a crucial role to play in driving government's intended infrastructure development programme dubbed "the big push"

Joseph Nelson was addressing management of Dangote Cement, one of the cement manufacturing companies operating at Eshiem, in Sekondi Takoradi on Thursday, 13th March 2025 when the acknowledgement of the industry came up.

He called on Dangote Cement to improve their performance with establishment of 24 hour operations to support the economy of the government.

The Minister said the administration of President John Dramani Mahama would improve the country's infrastructure development with the "big push" agenda as contained in the manifesto of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) party.

The "Big Push" program is a key initiative by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) aimed at accelerating Ghana's infrastructure development. This ambitious program has been allocated a whopping GH¢13.85 billion in the 2025 budget to kickstart its implementation.

The programme, is part of the NDC's broader agenda to reset the country and provide relief to citizens.

With a total investment of over US$10 billion, the "Big Push" programme is expected to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the overall quality of lives of Ghanaians.

Some of the key initiatives under the "Big Push" program include,

Accelerated Infrastructure Development, focusing primarily at developing critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public buildings.

Aside that, job creation would be key in driving employment opportunities in the construction and infrastructure development sectors.

In terms of economic growth, Joseph Nelson said government aims at boosting economic growth through increased investment in infrastructure development.

Overall, he said the "Big Push" programme is a significant initiative by the NDC administration to drive Ghana's economic development and improve the lives of citizens.

The Plant Director of Dangote Cement, Sunil Kumar, who received the Minister and his entourage said the company is currently producing one thousand metric tonnes of cement daily and hoping to expand its operational activities with the 24 hour economic policy of the government.

He said the expansion drive would factor into account all the important things required to position the company.

He assured the Minister of their commitment to establish good working relationship with government

The country manager, Elango K. also assured the Minister of their preparedness to improve operations and collaborate effectively with relevant stakeholders as and when necessary.

Dangote Cement had been operating in Ghana since 2011, importing and bagging bulk cement at its terminal in Tema until the establishment of the new processing plant at Eshiem in Sekondi Takoradi one and half year ago.