President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that more than $70 million has been released to the contractor working on the Ofankor–Nsawam Road, resulting in a major turnaround in progress on the long-delayed project.
During a working visit to the site on Wednesday, December 3, the President said work had stalled for months due to funding delays and challenges with demolitions required to clear the right of way.
“One was the inability to make some demolitions to allow the contractor to work, but the major one was non-payment for work done for a very long time. So of course, I ordered the Roads and Finance Ministers to make sure that payment was made to the contractor. More than $70 million was paid,” he said.
President Mahama expressed satisfaction with the pace of work since the outstanding payments were settled, noting that the project — previously “moving at a snail’s pace” — is now advancing steadily.
He encouraged the contractor to sustain the improved tempo, hinting that the road could be completed earlier than projected.
“The last time I came, he assured us that by July next year, he will be able to hand over the road. But if I look at the road, I am sure that by April next year, if you push hard, you will be able to finish this road and hand it over so that we can use it,” he added.
