The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Construction Industry, Emmanuel Cherry, has raised alarm over the growing number of construction workers and artisans abandoning their jobs and venturing into illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, due to stalled government projects and delayed payments.
Speaking on Starr FM on Monday, October 13, 2025, with host Tutuwaa Danso, Mr. Cherry revealed that many contractors have deserted construction sites because government has failed to release funds owed them, leaving firms unable to sustain their operations.
“Most of our contractors have left the construction sites. Construction firms are laying off workers, and artisans are now doing galamsey,” he lamented.
He further explained that the payment delays have triggered a chain reaction within the sector, leading to massive job losses and forcing many skilled workers into illegal mining as a means of survival.
“Most of these construction firms are laying off workers, which is a national security threat. If citizens become redundant or unemployed, what do you think will happen?” he cautioned.
READ: Contractors face financial distress due to delayed payments — GhCCI
Mr. Cherry also warned that the situation could have long-term consequences for the construction sector, as many of the artisans who have switched to galamsey may not return even if payments are eventually made.
“If care is not taken, bringing those people back can be a challenge as a result of this,” he said, urging government to act swiftly.
He appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to honour his promise to pay contractors by the end of July, stressing that the industry’s survival now depends on the government’s commitment.
“The time is now for the President to come back to his promise that he made to contractors, that by July ending he was going to pay. We are waiting for that promise to be fulfilled,” he added.
READ: Pay up or projects will stall — Construction Chamber warns Gov’t
The Chamber of Construction Industry has repeatedly warned of the dire impact of payment delays on the sector, describing the current state as a major threat to employment and national development.
The warning from the Chamber comes amid growing concerns within Ghana’s construction sector over massive unpaid debts. Industry reports indicate that the government owes road and building contractors over GH₵25 billion, forcing many companies to suspend projects and lay off staff.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
