The Association of Road Contractors has expressed concerns about the reported distribution of GH¢49 billion paid to contractors by the Finance Ministry.
During a press briefing on Friday, May 24, Minister of Finance Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam announced that the government had spent GH¢49 billion on contractor payments.
However, the road contractors dispute this claim, stating that the government still owes them close to GH¢15 billion and denying any knowledge of receiving such substantial funds.
John Afful, the Chairman of the Association, questioned the allocation and the actual beneficiaries of the GH¢49 billion. “The government owes us a significant amount of money. For road funds alone, we are owed GH¢6.2 million as of the end of March. COCOBOD owes over GH¢5 billion to road contractors.
“The Ministry of Finance owes about GH¢6.7 billion. In total, more than GH¢16 billion is owed to local contractors, with debts dating back to 2016.
“Some certificates from as far back as 2016 have not been honored. We are struggling, and no one is helping us. We are surprised to hear the Finance Minister claim that GH¢49 billion has been paid to contractors. Who are these contractors? Where are the contractors who have received such large sums of money?
“If GH¢49 billion has been paid, it should mean all arrears have been cleared. As the national chairman, I have not received a single pesewa in my account. So, where is the truth in what he said?” he questioned.
