A coalition of contractors working on the Agenda 111 hospital project has issued a heartfelt plea to President Akufo-Addo, urging him to settle outstanding payments for completed works before the end of his tenure.
According to the group, some payments have been delayed for over a year, despite their relentless efforts to advance the project, which is deemed critical for the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.
The contractors emphasized the project’s importance in addressing Ghana’s healthcare needs, especially following the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
They noted that the Agenda 111 initiative is vital for preparing the country to manage potential future health crises effectively.
However, the prolonged delay in payments has placed significant financial strain on the contractors.
Many face mounting pressure from suppliers demanding payment for building materials purchased on credit, alongside the obligation to pay workers.
Additionally, some banks and financial institutions that extended credit to the contractors risk accumulating non-performing loans if the delays persist.
The group stressed that timely payment for completed works is essential to sustain local construction firms and bolster their capacity to undertake future projects.
They cautioned that continued delays could lead to the collapse of many firms, urging the President to prioritize their appeal to avoid such outcomes and strengthen the local construction industry.
