President Mahama orders Ato Forson to pay GH¢1bn to contractors owed since 2017

President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the Ministry of Finance to disburse GH¢1 billion to contractors who have not been paid by the state since 2017, with the payments scheduled to be completed before Christmas.

The directive was announced on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the sod-cutting ceremony for the Sunyani–Atronie–Acherensua Road Project in the Bono Region. The project forms part of the government’s flagship Big Push infrastructure initiative.

According to the President, the funds will be used to clear outstanding payments for certified works already completed by contractors. He explained that ongoing audits will determine eligibility to ensure that only legitimate and verified claims are honoured.

“I have directed the Finance Minister, Dr. Ato Forson, to release GH¢1 billion to pay contractors who have been owed since 2017 before Christmas,” the President said. He added that payments would also be made to the families of contractors who have passed away.

The President urged contractors to promptly submit their certification documents to prevent unnecessary delays. “If your payment is delayed, it will be because you did not submit your documents on time,” he cautioned.

He further disclosed that additional funding has been earmarked under the Big Push programme to restart stalled infrastructure projects and complete abandoned developments across the country.

Also speaking at the event, the Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr. Agyemang Badu II, warned contractors against poor workmanship. He called on the government to strengthen supervision mechanisms to ensure high construction standards.

President Mahama described the Sunyani–Atronie–Acherensua Road Project as a critical intervention for the Bono Region’s development and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to settling long-overdue contractor debts while accelerating the completion of delayed projects nationwide.