The contractor handling three major infrastructure projects in Kumasi has laid off about 150 workers following nearly two years of payment delays by the government, which have brought construction to a standstill.
Contracta Construction UK Ltd., which is undertaking the Kejetia Phase II Market redevelopment, the Komfo Anokye Maternity and Children’s Block, and the Prempeh I International Airport project, said engineers, technicians, and labourers across all three sites were affected.
According to a report by citinewsroom, the company’s Public Relations and Community Liaison Consultant, Emmanuel Danso, said the decision was unavoidable given the financial pressure the delays had created.
“Since May 2024, we have received only one payment. So, while negotiations with the government are ongoing, it has become necessary for us to reduce our staff strength in order to ease the financial and administrative burden on the company. This is not a situation where they are being sent away empty-handed,” he said.
Danso confirmed that all affected workers were duly compensated before being let go, and said discussions between government officials and the company’s directors in Accra were ongoing.
He expressed optimism that a resolution would lead to the recall of workers and a resumption of construction.
The layoffs have renewed concerns about the broader implications of the prolonged delays — for employment and economic activity in Kumasi, as well as the delivery of critical healthcare and transport infrastructure.
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