The Ghana Progressive Road Contractors Association has raised grave concerns about the devastating impact of unpaid government debts on its members, alleging that the financial strain has led to the deaths of several contractors.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the Association’s Vice President, Hammond Larbi, revealed that some members are still owed for projects completed as far back as 2017 and 2018.
“Some contractors are owed as far back as 2017 and 2018. A lot of them have died due to the financial challenges they are faced with,” Mr. Larbi lamented.
He explained that the situation has worsened due to mounting pressure from banks threatening to seize properties and other severe financial hardships contractors face.
Mr. Larbi also accused the previous government of practicing selective payments.
“This previous government promised to pay us, but the problem is that when the money is released, about 10 contractors will be handpicked and given the money, while those undertaking road maintenance are not paid,” he claimed.
According to him, many certificates for completed work remain unattended in the offices of regional ministers, leaving contractors in despair as their debts continue to pile up.
Meanwhile, the government says it is working to settle the outstanding payments.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Wednesday, Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, disclosed that the government owes road contractors more than GH₵27 billion—comprising GH₵7 billion from the Road Fund and over GH₵20 billion under the Government of Ghana (GoG) budget.
Mr. Larbi has therefore appealed to the government to urgently fulfill its promise and save the livelihoods of contractors across the country.
Source: Gertrude Otchere | Adomonline.com
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