Pay us if we deliver — Construction Chamber fires back at Roads Minister

Emmanuel Cherry, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industries, has responded to recent comments by Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza, who warned contractors to meet quality standards or risk contract termination.

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Sunday, April 20, Cherry acknowledged the minister’s emphasis on quality but stressed that it must be accompanied by the government’s commitment to timely payments for contractors who deliver as expected.

He pointed out that the contractual documents already outline penalties for poor workmanship, making such warnings unnecessary. “If the minister says shoddy work won’t be paid for and contracts will be terminated, that’s already stipulated in the contract. There’s no need to restate it,” he said.

Cherry added that just as the government demands quality, it must also be prompt in honoring payments when work is done properly. He warned that delayed payments continue to severely impact contractors, many of whom rely on loans to finance their projects.

He urged the Roads Ministry to ensure fairness in contract enforcement, so contractors who meet expectations aren’t left financially disadvantaged.

His comments come as the government renews its focus on enforcing construction standards under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.