THIS ARTICLE WAS FIRST PUBLISH ON MAY 1, 2021
Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, has claimed that the Akufo-Addo-led administration owes him approximately GHC100 million for road construction projects that he has pre-financed. He revealed that he uses bank loans to finance these contracts, yet he has not received the mobilization fees due from the government, leading to significant debt accumulation.
Speaking at a meeting with party activists in Kumasi, as reported by the Chronicle newspaper, Chairman Wontumi expressed frustration at the government’s failure to pay the 20% mobilization fee for contracts. He also criticized the Roads Minister for not awarding him contracts, despite his position as the only NPP member actively involved in road construction.
To remain in the industry and support party activities, Wontumi said he has resorted to buying contracts from other contractors, even though he does not yet have the four years of required experience in road construction. He questioned why companies such as Messrs Jacob, Attachy Construction, and Kofi Job are getting contracts while he is left out.
Chairman Wontumi further explained that the road construction industry requires substantial capital, and to keep his business afloat, he pays 10% to fellow contractors like Akwasi Addai Odike and Kofi Akpaloo to take over the contracts awarded to them.
He also accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of causing the collapse of his mining business, vowing to revive it soon.
