Road Contractors Threaten Protest Over Six Years of Unpaid Arrears

Road maintenance contractors in Ghana say they have not been paid for certified work carried out since 2020 and are threatening a peaceful protest unless the government intervenes, warning that the delays could affect drainage maintenance and flood prevention efforts during the rainy season.

ACCRA, Ghana — Road maintenance contractors responsible for clearing gutters, desilting drains and maintaining road shoulders have threatened to stage a peaceful protest over what they describe as six years of unpaid arrears.

The contractors, operating under the Single Man Contractors (SMC) Association, say they have not received payment for certified works undertaken for the Ghana Highway Authority since 2020 despite what they describe as repeated attempts to resolve the issue.

In a petition addressed to President John Dramani Mahama and dated May 25, the association called for urgent intervention, arguing that prolonged payment delays have created severe financial difficulties for its members and affected their ability to continue operations. “We undertook and completed the assigned work in good faith and according to the agreed terms,” the petition stated, adding that outstanding payments for completed contracts remain unsettled despite several follow-ups with the Ghana Highway Authority.

Concerns Grow as Rainy Season Intensifies

The dispute comes at a time when many parts of Ghana are experiencing seasonal rains and heightened concerns over flooding. The contractors say their work plays a critical role in maintaining drainage systems and waterways that help reduce flood risks in urban and rural communities. Delays in funding, they argue, could undermine routine maintenance activities that are important for keeping drains clear and road infrastructure operational during periods of heavy rainfall.

The association warned that continued non-payment has affected both the livelihoods of contractors and their ability to meet financial obligations linked to their businesses.

Protest Threat Looms

According to the petition, members may embark on a peaceful protest at Jubilee House if the payment dispute remains unresolved. The association said the demonstration would be aimed at drawing attention to what it describes as years of unpaid obligations.

The contractors also stated that they had previously petitioned the presidency in March but had yet to receive a resolution to their concerns. Neither the Presidency nor the Ghana Highway Authority had publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.

Infrastructure and Economic Implications

Road maintenance contractors form an important part of Ghana’s infrastructure network, undertaking routine works that help preserve roads, improve drainage and support public safety.

Analysts note that prolonged delays in payments for public contracts can affect service delivery, contractor sustainability and future infrastructure projects, particularly for smaller firms that depend on regular government payments to maintain operations.

The dispute also highlights broader concerns about public-sector arrears and the impact delayed payments can have on businesses providing essential public services. For now, attention is likely to focus on whether the government intervenes to resolve the dispute before contractors carry out their threatened protest.

Why This Matters

The issue extends beyond contractor payments.

The contractors involved undertake routine drainage and road maintenance work that becomes especially important during Ghana’s rainy season. Any disruption to those activities could have implications for flood mitigation, road safety and infrastructure resilience. The dispute therefore raises questions not only about public contract payments but also about the capacity of agencies responsible for maintaining critical infrastructure.