President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to release US$78.3 million to JUSTMOH Construction Company, the contractor executing the Rehabilitation and Dualization of the 23-kilometre Takoradi–Agona Junction Road, after it was revealed that no payments have been made since the project was awarded.
The project was awarded on March 19, 2024, and officials disclosed that not a single payment has been made to JUSTMOH since the commencement of works, despite certified progress on site.
President Mahama issued the directive during an inspection of the project in the Western Region as part of his tour to assess the status of major infrastructure developments.
Addressing engineers and site managers, the President described the delay in payments as unacceptable and emphasized government’s responsibility to honour its financial commitments.
“It is unacceptable that since March 19, 2024, when this project was awarded, not a dime has been paid to the contractor,” President Mahama said.
“I have therefore directed the Minister for Finance to immediately release the outstanding Interim Payment Certificate to JUSTMOH so work can continue without interruption.”
The payment covers an Interim Payment Certificate (IPC) valued at US$78,367,233.07.
President Mahama reiterated that the project falls under the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme, describing it as a flagship initiative central to his administration’s development agenda.
“All major road projects under the Big Push infrastructure programme are priority projects of this government, and they will be completed on schedule,” he stated.
He further stressed that timely payments are critical to preventing project delays and cost overruns.
“When contractors are not paid on time, projects slow down and costs rise. That is a situation we are determined to avoid,” the President added.
The Takoradi–Agona Junction Road is a strategic route in the Western Region, serving both commercial and residential communities.
Its rehabilitation and dualization are expected to significantly improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and support economic activities in Takoradi and its environs.
The inspection forms part of President Mahama’s broader oversight of infrastructure projects being undertaken nationwide under the Big Push agenda.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
