Contractor lays off 150 workers as Kejetia, KATH and Airport projects stall

Contracta Construction UK Ltd., the contractor undertaking the Kejetia Phase II Market redevelopment project, the Komfo Anokye Maternity and Children’s Block, and the Prempeh I International Airport project, has laid off about 150 workers following nearly two years of inactivity on the sites.

The decision follows prolonged delays in government payments to the company, which have stalled progress on the three major infrastructure projects in Kumasi.

Speaking to Citi News, the Public Relations and Community Liaison Consultant for Contracta Construction UK Ltd. in Kumasi, Emmanuel Danso, explained that engineers, technicians, and labourers working across the projects were affected as part of efforts to reduce administrative costs and operational pressures.

According to him, the company has received only one payment from government since 2024, a situation that has significantly affected project execution and forced management to scale down operations.

Mr. Danso noted that although the layoffs were unavoidable under the circumstances, all affected workers were duly compensated before being asked to leave.

He further revealed that discussions are ongoing between government officials and the company’s directors in Accra aimed at resolving the payment challenges and facilitating a possible resumption of work.

He expressed optimism that the outcome of the negotiations would lead to the recall of the affected workers and a restart of construction activities.

“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.

Discussions are still ongoing between government officials and our directors in Accra, and we are hopeful that very soon we will be able to return to site. However, at this point, we have no option but to lay off some workers. This is not a situation where they are being sent away empty-handed,” he said.

The development has sparked renewed concerns over the prolonged delays in the three key projects and their broader implications for employment, economic activity in Kumasi, as well as healthcare and transport infrastructure delivery.

CitiNewsRoom