Association of Road Contractors Ghana (ASROC) has debunked a statement by the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako Attah, that the government has fully settled debts owed road contractors in Ghana.
According to ASROC in a press statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Kwaku A. Nuamah, and made available to ghananewsonline.com.gh, only 40% of an estimated debt of Ghc 3.8 billion owed road contractors has been cleared, hence, rendering the initial statement by the minister false.
“As at October, 2019 contractors were owed approximately Ghc 2.6 billion by the Ghana Road Fund, and Ghc 1.2 billion on Government of Ghana projects, not to mention the indebtedness of government at COCOBOD.
“Instructions were issued for the Ghana Road Fund to redeem 40% of all amounts above 500. As at December 2019, some contractors had been paid these amounts. [So] ASROC finds it intriguing how payment of 40% of indebtedness can be construed to mean full payment,” the statement reads.
ASROC has therefore charged the Road Fund Management Board to “come out with facts and correct the unfortunate impressions being created by the Minster’s statement in relation to outstanding contractor payments”.
Source: Jonas Danquah || ghananewsonline.com.gh