Accra, Dec. 21, — Mr Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, Minister for Works and Housing, has commended the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GhCCI) for its consistent efforts to promote professionalism, innovation and high standards within Ghana’s construction sector.
Addressing the 2024–2025 Ghana Construction Industry Excellence Awards in Accra, the Minister described the construction industry as a cornerstone of national development, contributing significantly to infrastructure expansion, employment generation, investment attraction and economic transformation.
“Every road we drive on, every school, hospital, bridge, drainage system and housing project is a testament to the dedication and expertise of professionals in this sector,” he stated.
The awards ceremony, themed “Advancing the Construction Industry Through Infrastructure Development – The Big Push Agenda,” recognised individuals and institutions demonstrating exceptional standards of performance and innovation.
Mr Adjei explained that the Big Push Agenda represented a structured strategy to deepen collaboration between government and the private sector to deliver modern, resilient and sustainable infrastructure. He stressed that achieving Ghana’s development aspirations required a coordinated effort among contractors, engineers, consultants, designers and other industry stakeholders.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving transparency, efficiency and accountability in public infrastructure delivery. Measures under consideration include strengthening monitoring mechanisms, enforcing quality assurance standards, streamlining procurement processes and ensuring timely project execution.
The Minister assured the Chamber of ongoing engagement to address key sector challenges, including financing constraints, capacity development, technology adoption and regulatory compliance.
He congratulated award recipients for setting industry benchmarks and encouraged stakeholders to prioritise ethical conduct, innovation and adherence to global best practices.
Traditional leaders and industry representatives at the event underscored the need for reforms in payment systems, access to financing, land administration and the establishment of a Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA) to regulate and standardise the sector.
The Ga Mantse, King Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, called for a comprehensive review of Accra’s master plan to tackle congestion, unregulated settlements, sanitation challenges and poor drainage infrastructure.
He emphasised that infrastructure development underpinned national advancement and urged closer cooperation between government and private sector actors to modernise the capital.
“Accra remains the heartbeat of Ghana, yet it is burdened by congestion and unplanned development. The capital must reflect our collective aspirations—clean, efficient and liveable,” he said.
The Ga Mantse proposed a long-term decongestion strategy, renewal of inner-city communities, investment in green spaces, improved waste management systems and efficient transport corridors. He also advocated the development of new, well-planned urban centres to accommodate population growth and economic expansion.
On housing, he urged stronger public-private partnerships to deliver affordable, sustainable and strategically located housing projects.
“Housing represents dignity, stability and the foundation of family life,” he noted.
He further appealed to traditional authorities to curb multiple land sales and disputes, emphasising the need for integrity and transparency in land governance.
“Land is a heritage entrusted to us by our ancestors and preserved for future generations. We must manage it responsibly,” he added.
Nene Emmanuel Tetteh Martey, the outgoing Chairman of GhCCI, reaffirmed the Chamber’s readiness to collaborate with government in advancing sustainable infrastructure as a driver of economic growth and social transformation.
He stressed that the effectiveness of the Big Push Agenda would depend on structured coordination between public and private actors across all phases of project implementation.
“Infrastructure goes beyond concrete and steel; it connects communities, enhances productivity and secures the nation’s future,” he stated.
However, Nene Martey highlighted persistent delays in payments for completed projects as a major concern for contractors and consultants.
“Timely public payment is not discretionary; it is a contractual obligation and economic imperative,” he said, calling for defined payment schedules, stronger fiscal discipline and risk mitigation mechanisms to safeguard private sector interests.
The awards recognised contractors, engineers, architects, artisans and other professionals whose contributions continue to shape Ghana’s infrastructure landscape.
Among the awardees were Nene Martey, the first Chairman of GhCCI; Mr Alban Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament; Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, Omanhene of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area and President of the National House of Chiefs; and Mr Rockson CKSON Kwesi Dogbegah, Executive Chairman of the Berock Group of Companies.
JUSTMOH Construction Limited received the Overall Best Construction Company of the Year 2024/2025 award, while General Contractor Company Limited was named International Construction Company of the Year.
GHBUSS
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