ACCRA — The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry, GhCCI, Mr Emmanuel Cherry, has called for a structured approach to project contracting and greater collaboration among indigenous contractors to improve project delivery in Ghana.
Cherry said stronger collaboration was particularly necessary where individual contractors lacked the capacity to execute entire projects, noting that capable firms could partner or subcontract specific components to other qualified companies.
Speaking on sustainable infrastructure development and economic growth, he said some indigenous contractors had the capacity to complete projects within or ahead of schedule, but delays remained a challenge for others.
According to him, prolonged project delays affect not only individual contractors but also the reputation of Ghana’s local construction industry.
Cherry said subcontracting and partnerships among contractors could help distribute technical responsibilities, improve efficiency and enable projects to be completed within agreed timelines.
He said the Chamber was also aligning its activities with government’s infrastructure policies, including the Big Push programme and the 24-hour economy framework, to create opportunities for indigenous contractors.
Recent reporting confirms that the GhCCI has welcomed the Big Push programme while continuing to raise concerns about challenges affecting contractors, including delayed payments.
The Chamber said in June that payment delays remained a constraint on project execution despite improved confidence in the sector.
Cherry said contractors must also give adequate attention to financial planning, safety and security requirements and performance bonds when undertaking construction projects.
He said the Chamber would compile its observations and recommendations and submit them to government as formal policy proposals aimed at strengthening the capacity of indigenous contractors while ensuring compliance with required standards.
The GhCCI CEO said a more structured contracting system, combined with collaboration and adherence to best practices, would support timely project delivery and contribute to sustainable infrastructure development.
He said stronger local participation in construction would also support broader economic activity, provided contractors had the capacity, financing and technical standards required to execute projects effectively.
