Construction Chamber urges government to release delayed payments to contractors

The Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GhCCI) has urged the government to immediately release all outstanding Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) owed to contractors, consultants, and suppliers to avert a potential shutdown of infrastructure projects across the country.

In a press statement signed by Mr Emmanuel A. Cherry, Chief Executive Officer of the GhCCI, the Chamber expressed deep concern over the persistent delay in disbursing funds that were promised under President John Dramani Mahama’s “Big Push Agenda.”

Despite assurances that all arrears would be cleared by July 2025, many contractors, the Chamber said, have yet to receive payment, leaving construction firms and service providers in severe financial distress.

“The prolonged delay in effecting payments is inflicting severe financial hardship across the construction ecosystem,” the statement said. “Many contractors are unable to meet payroll obligations, while consultants and suppliers are accumulating arrears.”

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The Chamber further noted that some firms now face enforcement actions from institutions such as the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) due to unpaid statutory deductions and taxes.

While commending the government’s Big Push Agenda for its transformative vision and innovative payment framework, the GhCCI cautioned that continued inaction could erode public trust and stall vital national projects.

It called for the establishment of a transparent and time-bound payment schedule to ensure predictable disbursements, and for stakeholder engagement involving the GhCCI to guarantee accountability and transparency in future payments.

“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 added.

The Chamber appealed to the government to treat the issue as a matter of urgency, emphasising that timely payments are critical to sustaining Ghana’s infrastructure growth and employment stability.