Accra, June 11, GNA – The Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GhCCI) has welcomed government efforts to revive the sector, describing the flagship “Big Push” infrastructure programme as a major boost for local contractors.
At a presentation ceremony where Justmoh Construction Limited was named Overall Best Construction Company for 2024/2025, the Chamber said recent reforms had improved the industry’s outlook by reducing bureaucracy and strengthening procurement linkages.
Mr Emmanuel Cherry, Chief Executive Officer of GhCCI, noted that indigenous contractors were gaining renewed confidence from banks, insurers and suppliers.
“The narrative has changed, largely due to confidence created by the government’s Big Push policy,” he said.
Despite the gains, the Chamber raised concerns about outstanding payments owed to contractors.
It said about GH¢12 billion has been paid out of an estimated GH¢44 billion inherited debt.
Mr Cherry stressed that the remaining liabilities continued to strain contractors’ operations.
Delayed payments, he explained, often led to banks absorbing mobilisation funds to offset loans, affecting project execution and creating a false impression of poor performance.
On reports of contracts being awarded to the military, the Chamber said discussions were still at an early stage.
It said that any military involvement would likely be limited to specialised roles, such as right-of-way clearing.
The Chamber also linked persistent urban flooding to poor planning, weak enforcement of regulations and limited capacity at Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
It called for government support to equip assemblies with logistics and skilled personnel.
Industry players noted that macroeconomic stability-including a stronger cedi, easing inflation and lower lending rates-was supporting construction activity, although housing prices may take time to adjust.
The Chamber urged government to adopt a balanced approach in terminating underperforming contracts, citing delayed payments as a key constraint.
At the ceremony, Justmoh Construction Limited, a wholly Ghanaian-owned firm established in 1991, was commended for its contribution to infrastructure development, including the Boankra Inland Port and major road projects.
Its CEO, Mr Justice Amoh, pledged continued commitment to excellence, while GhCCI Chairman, Nana Ofori Kwafo I, called for closer collaboration with government and timely payments to contractors.
“Nation-building is a shared responsibility…With the right support, local contractors can deliver world-class infrastructure,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey