President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ministry of Finance to immediately release GH¢1 billion to clear outstanding payments owed to contractors by the state, some of which date back to 2017. The payment, he said, is expected to be completed before Christmas.
The President announced the directive at the sod-cutting ceremony for the Sunyani–Atronie–Acherensua Road Project in the Bono Region, a key intervention under the government’s Big Push infrastructure initiative.
“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, and the deceased families should follow up to receive the money,” President Mahama stated.
He stressed that the release of funds would only be effective if contractors promptly submitted the required documentation, warning that delays would not be blamed on government.
“I want to urge contractors to hurry up with their certificates to receive your money. Your money will only be delayed if you are lazy,” he said.
While assuring contractors of government’s commitment to honour its obligations, President Mahama also issued a caution against poor workmanship on public projects. “I’m pleading with contractors to desist from shoddy work,” he added.
The directive is expected to bring relief to contractors who have struggled for years with unpaid certificates, affecting project delivery and livelihoods.
