President John Dramani Mahama has instructed the Ministry of Finance to release GH¢1 billion to clear arrears owed to contractors since 2017, with payments expected to be completed before Christmas.
The directive was announced Sunday during the sod-cutting ceremony for the Sunyani–Atronie–Acherensua Road Project in the Bono Region, a flagship undertaking 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,” President Mahama declared. “All the contractors will be paid, and the families of deceased contractors should follow up to receive the money.”
The President explained that audits are underway to verify outstanding claims, with priority given to certified works completed in previous years, particularly under the former administration. He urged contractors to submit required documentation promptly, warning that delays would only occur due to inaction on their part.
“I want to urge contractors to hurry up with their certificates to receive your money,” he said. “Your money will only be delayed if you are lazy.”
President Mahama also assured the gathering that dedicated resources have been allocated under the Big Push programme to resume and complete stalled infrastructure projects nationwide.
Speaking at the same event, the Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr Nana Freduah Agyemang Badu II, welcomed the road project and called for rigorous supervision to ensure high-quality execution. “I’m pleading with contractors to desist from shoddy work,” he cautioned.
The President described the Sunyani–Atronie–Acherensua Road Project as a vital boost to development in the Bono Region and reiterated the government’s commitment to clearing long-standing contractor arrears while reviving abandoned projects across the country.
