The Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry has revealed that the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government left behind financial commitments worth GHS105 billion in the road sector. Emmanuel Cherry, the Chamber’s Chief Executive Officer, confirmed that these commitments reflect the total value of road and infrastructure contracts awarded by the former administration but were not completed before its tenure ended.
During a recent interview on Channel One Newsroom on Sunday, April 20, 2025, Cherry explained that an initial figure of GHS100 billion in outstanding commitments was disclosed during the ministerial vetting of the current Minister for Roads and Highways. At that time, available funds for the sector were estimated to be between GHS20 billion and GHS25 billion. However, with the release of the 2025 budget, the true scale of these liabilities has become clearer.
As it stands, Cherry confirmed that the total road sector commitments now stand at GHS105 billion. These are contracts for road construction, bridges, overheads, and other related infrastructure projects, many of which are still in their early stages or remain incomplete. Cherry noted that out of the GHS105 billion, projects worth GHS21 billion have already been executed by contractors.
Despite the progress made, the Chamber’s CEO stressed the urgency for the government to release the remaining funds to ensure that contractors can continue their work without financial setbacks. "The government now needs to cough up GHS21 billion for contractors so they can continue their work," Cherry stated, highlighting the critical need for liquidity in the sector.
The construction industry in Ghana has faced significant challenges, particularly when it comes to securing funding for large infrastructure projects. With many contracts left unfinished by the previous administration, the delay in clearing these financial commitments is causing strain on contractors and hindering progress in the road sector. The Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry is calling for swift action from the current government to ensure that the necessary funds are made available to enable the continuation of these crucial projects.
The delay in road construction and infrastructure projects is not just an issue of financial commitments but also one that impacts the country's overall development. As roads and infrastructure are critical to economic growth and mobility, the construction sector plays a vital role in shaping Ghana's future. The Chamber's plea underscores the need for a strategic approach to managing financial commitments in the road sector and ensuring that infrastructure development continues without hindrance.
As the government works to address these outstanding commitments, it remains to be seen how quickly funds will be released to contractors and whether these projects will be completed within the expected timeframe. The situation calls for careful management of public funds to ensure that road sector projects are completed to the benefit of all Ghanaians.
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