The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has encouraged the Ministry of Roads and Highways, to put in place measures to deal with the issues of non-payment of road contractors.
The King characterized the habit which has seen numerous projects being abandoned across the country as “bad” and discouraging.
He asserted that contractors do not need full payment to go back to the site as he suggested payment in instalments.
“Contractors always cry about non-payment. If the government pays 30% of their money, they will go back to the site to work. Even the little payment you make to them will encourage them to go back to the roads.
“It is not good to hold contractors up in waiting when it comes to payment. Put measures in place to deal with these incidents as you take over.”
He continued, “When I heard about your visit, I intentionally went to take a look at the Kuntenase road. I realized at a point that the road was very bad and I noticed it has been awarded to a contractor but he was not on site and I realized it is due to payment.”
He agreed not all roads in the region can be constructed by the government; however, he called for the completion of all ongoing road constructions.
His majesty said this when the Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso Boakye called on him at the Manhyia Palace on March 18, 2024.
He was in the company of Deputy Minister, Hon. Thomas Mbomba, Chief Director of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, Ing Dr Abass M. Awolu, Director of the Department of Urban Roads, Ing. James Amoo-Gottfried, Director of the Contracts Division of the Ghana Highway Authority, Ing Collins Donkor and others.
Leading the delegation was the Director of Urban Roads for the Kumasi Metropolis, Ing Nana Poku Agyeman.
Source: Manhyia Palace
