By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Oct. 13, GNA – The Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GhCCI) has called on the government of Ghana to immediately release outstanding Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) owed to contractors, consultants, and suppliers to prevent a total shutdown of ongoing infrastructure projects across the country.
A press statement signed by Mr. Emmanuel A. Cherry, Chief Executive Officer of the GhCCI and made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the Chamber was dissatisfied with the persistent delay in settling payments promised by President John Dramani Mahama under the government’s Big Push Agenda.
The statement said despite assurances from the President that all arrears would be cleared by the end of July 2025, most contractors were yet to receive payment, leaving many construction firms in severe financial distress.
“The prolonged delay in effecting payments is inflicting severe financial hardship across the construction ecosystem”
“Many contractors are unable to meet payroll obligations, while consultants and suppliers are accumulating arrears,” the statement added.
The statement said some firms were facing enforcement threats from institutions such as Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) over unpaid deductions and taxes.
The GhCCI commended the government’s Big Push Agenda for its transformative vision and innovative prompt payment package aimed at improving liquidity in the construction value chain.
However, it warned that continued delay in fulfilling payment promises could undermine confidence in the government’s credibility and stall critical national infrastructure projects.
The Chamber also urged the Government to establish a transparent, time-bound payment schedule for future disbursements, and also engage stakeholders, including GhCCI, to ensure transparency and accountability in the process.
“The Chamber strongly believes that prompt action in this regard will safeguard thousands of jobs, sustain ongoing infrastructure works, and uphold the trust between Government and private sector actors driving the nation’s development agenda,” the statement said.
The Chamber appealed to government to treat the matter with urgency to protect the livelihoods of thousands of workers and sustain the momentum of Ghana’s infrastructure development.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah