Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has revealed that he inherited a “totally non-functional” sector, with several railway companies struggling to pay workers and contractors abandoning projects due to unpaid invoices.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Joy News, Mr. Nikpe said the government has begun efforts to stabilise the sector, including engaging contractors to resume stalled projects.
“We inherited a sector that was totally non-functional. That is why you will hear that several of our Railway Company Limited workers were unpaid for some period of time because the system is not functioning,” he said.
The minister explained that many contractors had suspended work on government projects due to unpaid interim payment certificates, which made it difficult for them to sustain their operations.
“A lot of contractors who had contracts with the government had abandoned sites because of unpaid interim payment certificates that were raised,” he noted.
Joseph Nikpe said that, with the guidance and support of President Mahama, the Ministry has engaged some of these contractors, and at least one company, Amandi Construction Limited, has already returned to its site in the Western Region.
He added that discussions are ongoing with other contractors to encourage them to resume work.
The government has emphasised that stabilising the sector is critical for sustaining ongoing and future infrastructure development projects across the country.
Source: Caleb Ahinwakah