The Minority caucus in Parliament has raised concerns over what it describes as an economic injustice against local contractors.
According to the group, delays by the government in releasing funds for payments have forced several local contractors to lay off workers, with some shutting down operations entirely.
The group accused the government of prioritising payments to foreign contractors over local ones, and called on the Finance Minister to urgently address the matter.
“When the contractors are not paid, it is not just about them, the workers, the effect on creating more unemployment and the livelihood of the family and dependents. These are matters that must be of concern to us. The cascading effects of these non-payments are very profound, and we all know as a house,” Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, in response, assured that local contractors will be paid.
“We are going to pay contractors, including contractors in the Minority Leader’s constituency. The only thing is that you are good at identifying contractors who haven’t been paid, but you forget to pay them all the time. I can guarantee you, the contractors will be paid,” he said.
The Minority further alleged that Parliament itself is facing financial constraints, claiming that funds for its operations are being withheld.
“Parliament itself is begging for money for its committees to do work, and, as Chairman, we have difficulty getting money to do our work,” MP for Bimbilla, Dominic Nitiwul, said.
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