President directs release of GH¢1bn for contractor debts

President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to release GH¢1 billion before Christmas to settle debts owed to contractors since 2017.

He made the announcement yesterday when he cut the sod for two major road projects in the Bono and Ahafo regions.

“I have directed the Finance Minister, Dr Ato Forson, to release GH¢1 billion to settle debts owed to contractors since 2017 before Christmas.

All the contractors will be paid,” he said, and advised families of relevant deceased contractors to follow up to receive the money.

The event marked the commencement of two key projects, namely the rehabilitation of the Sunyani-Atronie and Sunyani-Atronie Junction-Acherensua roads, and the construction of the Sunyani Outer Ring Road.

Key among the roads are the 90-kilometre Wenchi-Nsawkaw-Debibi-Sampa stretch, the 50-kilometre Wenchi-Sawla stretch, and the 32.6-kilometre Techiman-Nkosia-Wenchi stretch.

Others are the 48-kilometre Sunyani-Atronie-Acherensua road, the 80-kilometre Jinijini-Sampa road, the 19-kilometre Bediako Junction-Sefwi-Adabokro stretch, the 39-kilometre Tapa-Goaso road, and the 34-kilometre Sunyani Outer Ring Road project.

President Mahama reflected that during the 2024 campaign, despite the previous government boasting about the construction of over 10,000 kilometres of roads, chiefs and community leaders consistently complained about the deplorable state of their roads.

He stated that this direct experience informed his commitment to the “Big Push” project to construct roads that supported development and boosted economic activities.

He announced that his government had, this year alone, signed road contracts worth GH¢5 billion.

The President said the government had prioritised most deplorable and critical roads, and urged members of the public whose roads were not captured in this year’s programme not to worry since the initiative would continue next year.

Infrastructure deficit

He said statistics from the World Bank suggested that the country had an infrastructure deficit of $1.5 billion annually.

President Mahama said his administration consequently rolled out the Big Push programme to invest $1.5 billion in infrastructure every year to bridge the infrastructure gap.

He said roads played a crucial role in the development of a country, explaining that when a country had good roads and railways, it facilitated smooth movement, which helped to improve economic activities.

President John Dramani Mahama (left) being briefed on the artist’s impression of the projects

President Mahama expressed the government’s commitment to continue all inherited projects.

Accountability

The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, who graced the events, called on the President to fulfil all his campaign promises.

He specifically urged the President to honour his commitment to sign the Anti-LGBTQ Bill when it was eventually presented to him by Parliament.

The Dormaahene also addressed the controversy surrounding the National Cathedral expenditure, demanding a re-evaluation of the project and prosecutions where necessary.

“As for that hole created, we don’t understand because we voted for you to fight corruption,” he stated.

Furthermore, the Dormaahene directly advised the contractors on the projects to use quality materials to ensure the roads were well-constructed and durable.

Quality assurance

In response, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, gave an assurance that the contractors would deliver the projects within the two-year timeframe.

The minister acknowledged the initial concerns about the level of equipment on the Outer Ring Road site and promised a major mobilisation to the site after Christmas.

He also confirmed the President’s directive to immediately commence work on other requested roads in the area.

Mr Agbodza emphasised the government’s unprecedented investment in roads and issued a stern warning to the contractors, Messrs Alexiboam and Kofi Job Co. Ltd, stating that the government would not accept substandard work.

“We cannot allow ourselves to spend this money on roads that fail in six months. It will not happen under your watch,” the minister said, reiterating the President’s directive that the calibre of contractors and materials must match the financial investment.

The projects are expected to significantly improve travel time and comfort, ease the movement of goods, and stimulate economic growth in the beneficiary regions.