THE newly inducted Chairman of the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GhCCI), Nana Opare Kwafo I, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene to ensure the release of funds owed contractors, despite an earlier directive for payment.
According to him, the President had instructed the Minister of Finance to pay monies owed to contractors, and the amount had subsequently been allocated to the Ghana Road Fund account.
However, he noted that the funds had yet to be disbursed to the intended beneficiaries, a situation he said was placing severe financial strain on contractors nationwide.
Nana Opare Kwafo I made the appeal while speaking at the handing-over and inauguration of the Governing Council and Standing Committees of the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry in Accra yesterday.
He, therefore, called on the President to personally follow up on the matter to ensure the release of the funds without further delay.
The GhCCI Chairman assured members to remain calm, stating that the leadership of the Chamber was engaging relevant institutions and putting measures in place to resolve the situation.
The ceremony, which brought together members of the Chamber, construction practitioners and key stakeholders in the built environment sector, also marked the formal installation of a new Governing Council and Standing Committees.
Nana Opare Kwafo I described the development as a significant step towards strengthening institutional governance and enhancing professionalism, accountability and effective representation within the construction industry.
He explained that while the Governing Council would provide strategic and policy oversight, the Standing Committees would focus on specific areas, including policy advocacy, ethics, capacity building, membership welfare and stakeholder engagement.
He said the structures would help position the Chamber as a credible voice in national discussions on infrastructure development and a competitive construction industry.
The Chairman pledged that his administration would operate transparently and inclusively, with a focus on protecting members’ welfare and strengthening engagement with government and regulatory bodies.
The immediate past President of the GhCCI, Nene Surveyor Emmanuel Tettey Martey, expressed appreciation to members for their support during his tenure and urged the new leadership to promote unity and continuity.
He stressed that collaboration among members would be essential to advancing the interests of local contractors and reaffirmed his readiness to support the new administration in advocating policies that would promote a sustainable private sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Private Enterprise Federation, Nana Osei Bonsu, called for greater innovation in road construction.
He stressed that the adoption of modern technologies, durable materials and efficient construction methods was key to improving road quality and reducing frequent maintenance.
BY BENEDICTA GYIMAAH FOLLEY
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