Local contractors must be proactive

The issue of Ghanaian contractors not working to specification and on schedule has often been used to ward off state contracts to indigenous Ghanaian contractors.

A further allegation is that local contractors who are awarded contracts to work on government-sponsored projects take more delight in engaging in shoddy works rather than adopting universally acceptable standards.

In that respect, it becomes impossibility for the local contractors to gain the confidence of government and its assigns who are supposed to oversee the award of contracts.

It does seem to us on the paper that government argument holds sway. It is evidently clear from the roads and other public buildings that have been constructed by foreign firms that they are unmatched to that of the ones built by our local contractors as evidence abounds in most parts of the country.

It is in the light of this that we would like to back the stance of Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, the Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, who has cautioned that henceforth government will not countenance any sloppy work from local contractors.

That notwithstanding we back and support the minister claim that government was committed to working hand-in-hand with local contractors to enable them build their capacities and expertise to take up high profile jobs.

The minister gave the warning when he inspected an ongoing GH¢800,000 Asutifi District Assembly administration block being constructed by one Emmanuel Otoo Furniture and Construction, a Sunyani based construction company.

In fact, the paper believes that it was about time that procedural actions were instituted against contractors, who in their own right, decide to enrich themselves instead of doing a good work.

And inasmuch as government is prepared to work in tandem with local firms, the paper believes that the onus now lies on the local contractors to prove their worth, and perhaps make a strong case for themselves that when given the chance and the necessary support they would be able to compete with their foreign counterparts.

Today, therefore, seizes the opportunity to congratulate the contractor who put up a classroom block at Gomoamu Akosakrom as the Daily Graphic reported in its June 14, 2010 edition.

It was in view of the good job done by this Ghanaian contractor that the regional minister expressed his satisfaction and desire to help build the capacity base of local contractors to enable them compete with their foreign counterparts.

The paper also want to advise government to eschew any form of politicisation regarding the award of contracts and instead opt for value for money as the interest of the nation surpasses any individual interest.