President John Dramani Mahama has instructed the Ministry of Finance to release GH¢1 billion to clear outstanding payments owed to contractors by the state since 2017, with the process expected to be completed before Christmas.
The President made this announcement on Sunday, December 21, during the sod-cutting ceremony for the Sunyani–Atronie–Acherensua Road Project in the Bono Region. The project is being implemented under the government’s Big Push infrastructure initiative.
According to President Mahama, the funds will be used to settle verified debts owed to contractors, including payments due to the families of deceased contractors. He explained that ongoing audits are being carried out to validate outstanding claims, with particular focus on certified works completed in previous years, especially under the former administration.
“I have directed the Finance Minister, Dr Ato Forson, to release GH¢1 billion to settle debts owed to contractors since 2017 before Christmas. All contractors will be paid, and families of deceased contractors should follow up to receive their payments,” he stated.
The President urged contractors to promptly submit the required documentation to avoid delays in the disbursement process. He cautioned that failure to present certificates on time could hinder payments.
President Mahama also assured stakeholders that adequate resources have been allocated under the Big Push programme to enable the resumption and completion of stalled infrastructure projects across the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr Nana Freduah Agyemang Badu II, commended the government for initiating the road project and called for strict supervision to ensure high-quality work. He warned contractors against engaging in substandard construction.
President Mahama described the Sunyani–Atronie–Acherensua Road Project as a major step toward boosting development in the Bono Region and reiterated the government’s commitment to settling long-standing contractor arrears while reviving abandoned projects nationwide.
