Accra, Sept. 12, GNA – The newly elected
President of the building contractors association Mr. Prosper Ledi has pledged
to position contractors as worthy partners in the development of the country.
He noted that the infrastructure needs of the
country cannot be well accomplished without an effective Ghanaian construction
industry.
Mr. Ledi, who is founder and Chief Executive
of Proko Construction Ltd, was elected unopposed by the Association of Building
and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana (ABCECG) at its 10th Annual General
Meeting and Conference held in Winneba.
He took over from Mr. Martin Nnuro.
Speaking in an interview, on the side lines of
the conference, Mr. Ledi noted that, the construction industry was central to
the economy, adding that, economic activities slowed down any time contractors
were not paid and vice versa.
According to him the construction industry is
faced with myriads of challenges but said the way out is to have contractors
who can effectively engage with government and other stakeholders as partners
in solving the challenges.
“As leader of the Association I will galvanise
our members into a formidable group and engage government continuously. This is
our country, we are the builders, and once we do our homework well, we can get
every government to do what we believe is appropriate”, he stressed.
Mr. Ledi, who has over three decades of
experience in the industry, said delayed payment for work done without
interest, improper regulation of the industry, the unlevelled playing field
with their foreign counterparts as well as the general mistrust and badmouthing
of indigenous contractors are major challenges that he intends to confront.
The new ABCECG President indicated that he and
his executives will use their term in office to drive up membership and build a
united front for contractors.
He said they will also push for a construction
development authority as well as institute various programmes to build their
capacity and reward outstanding contractors.
“The only way we can also get the big jobs,
and stop the perennial delayed payments is to be united, build our own capacity
and be seen as a credible partner to the country’s development”.
The ABCECG is made up of both indigenous
construction firms as well as foreign firms registered and working in Ghana.
Mr. Ledi said he will push for both groups to
co-operate and leverage on each other’s strength.
Ghana has a huge infrastructure gap which is
one of the major reasons why the government is looking to China for funding.
There are also reported cases of shoddy works, and haphazard siting of
structures.
Mr. Ledi said while these are problems, they
also constitute opportunities for contractors.
He therefore invited all building and civil
engineering contractors in the country to become active members of ABCECG, so
that together they can champion the cause of contractors in Ghana and make them
major stakeholders in the country.
The conference also elected Tony Asante-Gyinae
as 1st Vice President, Harry Anim-Danso as 2nd Vice President, Martin Ganyo
Nukpezah as National Treasurer and Dela-dem Ocloo as Assistant Treasurer.
The rest are Yusif Mohammed Ali, Northern
Sector Organiser, Sampson Ayiku, Southern Sector Organiser, Agnes Ofori,
Trustee, George Peter Grant and Charles Siessegh, also Trustees.
GNA