
Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged the government to review its payment strategies for road contractors to avoid situations where projects remain incomplete due to financial challenges.
He proposes that payments to road contractors should not necessarily be made in lump sums but rather in increments, enabling them to maintain the financial capability to meet project deadlines.
The Asantehene expressed these sentiments during a courtesy visit by the Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso Boakye, at the Manhyia Palace on Monday.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II highlighted the importance of road infrastructure to Ghana’s socio-economic development and called on the Roads and Highways Ministry to prioritise the construction and rehabilitation of major road networks across the country.
He recognized the persistent grievances raised by road contractors concerning delayed payments and urged the government to guarantee prompt disbursement of owed funds.
Additionally, he urged contractors to prioritize high-quality workmanship to ensure the durability and sustainability of road projects.
“Road contractors will always complain about non-payments. Contractors will resume work even when part of their debts are settled by the government. The contractors will also need the money to settle their workers to ensure the work is done. The government should not always wait until the money is accumulated before making payments to the contractors.”
“The monies can be paid in tranches to help in the continuation of work. The more the roads are done, the more others are going bad especially when the rains set in. It is not possible to tackle all the roads but the major ones in parts of the country can be done. The contractors should also ensure they do quality work when they are given the contracts,” he stated.
Mr. Asenso Boakye, accompanied by officials from the Ministry, conducted an inspection of ongoing road projects in the Ashanti Region.
Significant progress has been observed on the Kwabre East town roads, while efforts to enhance the previously deteriorated Kenyase inner roads are underway.
The team also assessed the construction progress of the Atafoa Bridge, aimed at mitigating flooding in the area.
Subsequently, they visited Asuofua, Kokoso, and the Kumasi-Sunyani road project, as well as the Suame Interchange project.
The minister assured that the government remains committed to completing major road projects promptly to alleviate the challenges faced by motorists.