150 Workers Laid Off as Kejetia, KATH and Airport Projects Stall Over Payment Delays
Contractor cites prolonged government payment delays as reason for layoffs
- 150 workers laid off over payment delays
- Kejetia, KATH and airport projects stalled
- Talks ongoing to resume construction work
About 150 workers have been laid off following a prolonged suspension of work on three major infrastructure projects in Kumasi due to nearly two years of delayed payments from government.
Contracta Construction UK Ltd., the contractor handling the Kejetia Phase II Market redevelopment, the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Maternity and Children’s Block, and the Prempeh I International Airport project, says engineers, technicians, and labourers across all sites have been affected.
According to citinewsroom, the company’s Public Relations and Community Liaison Consultant, Emmanuel Danso, explained that the decision was necessary due to severe financial pressure caused by the delayed payments.
“Since May 2024, we have received only one payment. So, while negotiations with the government are ongoing, it has become necessary for us to reduce our staff strength in order to ease the financial and administrative burden on the company. This is not a situation where they are being sent away empty-handed,” he said.
He confirmed that all affected workers have been duly compensated and assured that discussions between government officials and the company’s directors in Accra are ongoing.
Mr. Danso expressed optimism that a resolution would lead to the recall of workers and eventual resumption of construction activities.
The layoffs have raised renewed concerns about the impact of the delays on employment, economic activity in Kumasi, and the completion of critical health and transport infrastructure projects.
