By Franklin Asare-Donkoh
The President of the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GCCI), Emmanuel Cherry, has appealed to the government to take urgent action to settle outstanding payments owed to contractors.
Meanwhile, Mr Cherry commended the government for steps taken to sanitise Ghana’s road construction sector.
Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV, the GCCI President welcomed the government’s decision to validate road contracts and Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs), describing it as a positive move towards eliminating corruption and inefficiencies in the construction sector.
He said the exercise would help remove unqualified contractors from the system, curb corrupt practices, and ultimately strengthen the industry.
However, Mr Cherry cautioned that while reforms were necessary, the government must not overlook the financial strain contractors continue to face due to delayed payments.
“The government has shown good faith by trying to clean the system and put it on a robust track devoid of corruption. It is also ensuring that all contractors validate their contracts and IPCs accordingly. This will remove mediocrities and corrupt practices within the system, which we must applaud. But in doing so, don’t forget that we have monies owed to us that are needed to pay our creditors,” he emphasised.
He stressed that many contractors were struggling to meet obligations to creditors and suppliers and urged authorities to prioritise the settlement of long-standing arrears.
Mr Cherry explained that paying contractors promptly would have a wider economic impact, stimulating business activity and improving livelihoods across the country.
President John Dramani Mahama, during a sod-cutting ceremony for the Sunyani–Atronie–Acherensua Road Project in the Bono Region under the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme on Sunday, December 21, 2025, directed the Ministry of Finance to release GH₵1 billion to road contractors owed by the state since 2017.
The President said the payments were expected to be made before Christmas.
Reacting to the directive, Mr Cherry commended President Mahama for the timely intervention in addressing the long-standing issue of delayed payments.
“When contractors are paid, the economy is boosted. Banks receive their money, manufacturers get theirs, and the service sector benefits. People will then spend in markets, stimulating economic activity,” he said.
He urged the government to consider increasing the road sector fund from GH₵1 billion to GH₵5 billion to ensure a more substantial circulation of funds through the economy.
