Accra: The Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GhCCI) has urged the government of Ghana to promptly release outstanding Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) owed to contractors, consultants, and suppliers to avert a complete halt of ongoing infrastructure projects nationwide.
According to Ghana News Agency, a press statement signed by Mr. Emmanuel A. Cherry, Chief Executive Officer of the GhCCI, expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing delays in settling payments promised by President John Dramani Mahama under the government's Big Push Agenda. The statement highlighted that despite the President's assurances to clear all arrears by the end of July 2025, many contractors have yet to receive payment, causing significant financial distress among construction firms.
The statement emphasized the severe financial hardships inflicted on the construction ecosystem due to the prolonged delay in payments. Many contractors are struggling to meet payroll obligations, while consultants and suppliers are accumulating arrears. Additionally, some firms face enforcement threats from institutions such as the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) over unpaid deductions and taxes.
While the GhCCI commended the Big Push Agenda for its transformative vision and innovative prompt payment package to improve liquidity in the construction value chain, it warned that continued delays could undermine confidence in the government's credibility and stall essential national infrastructure projects. The Chamber urged the government to establish a transparent, time-bound payment schedule for future disbursements and engage stakeholders, including GhCCI, to ensure transparency and accountability.
The statement further noted that prompt government action would safeguard thousands of jobs, sustain ongoing infrastructure works, and uphold trust between the government and private sector actors driving the nation's development agenda. The Chamber appealed to the government to treat the matter with urgency to protect the livelihoods of thousands of workers and maintain the momentum of Ghana's infrastructure development.
