The Chamber of Construction Industry says government currently owes contractors over GH¢21 billion in arrears and is urging for immediate payments to prevent further delays in ongoing projects across the country.
Speaking in an interview with Emmanuel Agyabeng on GHOne TV’s GHToday on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, Emmanuel Cherry, noted that although President John Mahama has given assurances to pay contractors, swift action is needed to ease the financial burden on them.
“We are expecting payment as of yesterday, sincerely, because a lot of works have been done in the past and remunerations are expected from the awarding agency,” Cherry stated.
He explained that some contractors are forced to halt works as a sign of protest whenever payments are delayed after raising certificates for completed work. According to him, the current debt portfolio owed contractors stands at over GH¢21 billion, while the government’s overall commitment portfolio exceeds GH¢100 billion.
Cherry highlighted stalled projects such as the Fankon-Sawam Road, which has caused severe inconvenience to residents and damage to vehicles due to its deplorable state. He emphasised that while contractors are ready to deliver, government must honour its obligations in time to ensure smooth completion of projects.
He further called on the president to urgently constitute the Road Fund Board to facilitate timely payments, especially for road fund projects, warning that delays in payments and board constitution continue to affect progress on critical national infrastructure.
“The promise of the president is welcoming news, but we want to see action more than contracts. Our expectations are very high,” Cherry added.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
